Nashville School of the Arts

This school absolutely sucks. The teachers don't care, the administration doesn't care. Rampant drugs and sex. Metro Nashville schools stink.
—Submitted by a parent

i would have been an 2013 graduate from NSA, had i not moved to Colorado. But, i have to comment on the school, from a students point of view. i loved this schooL! i wouldn't have gone anywhere else, had i been given the choice. i was a music major, and all the teachers at NSA, honestly are some of the best they could find! teachers try to get o know their students, and its a very homey environment. its a small school, so everyone knows everyone. we didn't have many fights at all. the student environment is so much funn, and everyone fits in somewhere! like all high schools, NSA has its problems. not with bullying or fighting, but drugs were present at the school. not nearly as bad as the reputation would have you believe, but everyone knew they were there. just this 2012-2013 school year, with our new administration, they really cracked down on drugs at the school. but, there is no need to worry. NSA requires alot of self discipline. you are at that school because you want to excel in your art, and you want to be there. there are a thousand other students very willing to tae your place at the school, and you'd be mindful to remember that. GREATEST SCHOOL ON THE PLANET! :D
—Submitted by a student

My son is a 2010 graduate and is now at belmont with a scholarship. Many people say this school doesnt prepare you with a good education but that is wrong. Its all about applying yourself. If you are willing to work, put in the time, and try your hardest you will be able to have fun and get a good education. I highly recommend this school
—Submitted by a parent

I am a mother of a Junior who has attended this school since 9th grade. Overall I think this is a great school but I would advise any parent whose student may attend NSA to check there work and to make sure they are on target. I do feel like the students sometime get away with things due to their artistic ability. My student is an honor student and takes AP classes but I monitor all of her grades. They have to stay focus due to all the activities that go on! Principal Bob is a great principal and Ms. Williams is a wonderful Assistant Principal, she is always there to help!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides an excellent education while focusing on the students' creativity and artistic expression in all areas of the arts.
—Submitted by a parent

I spent all four years of high school at NSA, graduating in May 2008. Having somehow miraculously managed to matriculate into a top-tier university in the Northeast, I am actually somewhat scandalized at how poor my secondary education really was. At the time, I thought that I was simply a bright student, receiving consistently top scores in my courses, however, I know see that my courses were largely overly simplistic and did not at all prepare me for the rigors of higher education. I currently struggle inordinately in my studies compared to my fellow students (who largely attended elite New England preparatory academies). I would discourage any college-bound student from attending this school, and to instead look into Hume-Fogg, MLK, and similar private schools, regardless of income (one thing that I wish I knew then is that these institutions often offer financial aid).
—Submitted by a student

NSA is, as Principal boB says, 'the greatest school on the planet'. The school is small and teachers know kids. The teacher willingly work with kids and parents and there is a weekly conference for parents to take advantage of with any or all of a student's teachers. They offer AP and Honors classes and some of the finest arts teachers in the MNPS system. If your child is an art 'geek' in any discipline NSA will be a great home for them.
—Submitted by a parent

We are the most diverse school in Nashville. Our students are artistic individualists with caring souls.
—Submitted by a parent

the writer of the post of december 7 2008 is apparently under the impression that education is given to people by their teachers and not sought for the student himself or herself. i would imagine his or her complaint on the day after report cards would be 'why did you give me this grade!' when in reality, he or she earned it. i graduated from NSA in 2006 and while i will admit that algebra is not my best subject, the academics at NSA are just fine. as is true with any other experience you get what you put in it. the difference between this school and others is that NSA gives the students the opportunity to invest themselves in the arts.
—Submitted by a student

This school was the best high school i ever went to. I unfotunately had to move in my sophomore year. But trust me, you will love this school and everyone in it.
—Submitted by a student

Anyone who is considering going to this school, please do. I'm graduating in May and I've been at NSA for the entire time I've been in high school. It's been the best experience of my life. I'll miss NSA with all my heart. We have some amazing teachers. The feeling of openness and family-like affection for one-another is awesome. Generally the people who dislike NSA are just people who like to complain.
—Submitted by a student

I will never be able to forgive my teachers for my horrible education. I'm a graduating senior who is at an Algebra I math level. For all those parents and kids out there who, like me, have a choice between NSA and Hume Fogg, choose HFA.
—Submitted by a student

I'm graduating this May, and honestly, I was able to coast by on what I learned in middle school at MLK. My arts courses were generally good, however, my academics were the opposite. Academically I learned nothing outside of English, French, History, Government, Economics, and Biology. The rest was pointless. Biology isn't even good anymore since Miss Williams left. This school is a joke academically. My diploma won't even be worth the paper it's written on.
—Submitted by a student

I have been very displeased by the school over all. The teachers have been the bigggest disappointment. I must admit there are a lot of gifted students but the teachers we have experienced would not rate average (with the exception of a few).
—Submitted by a parent

The arts program especially the ballet classes and theater-media classes are really great. NSA has a lot of talented children. The academics for incoming freshmen is really tough. It is definitely a big adjustment going from middle to high school. Over-all it has been a good experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at NSA incorporates academics and art in a way that is best describe as a Harmonious Relationship. The array of arts that are brought to the school and taught by the teachers at the school are remarkable. The commitment that is shown to the students beginning with the leadership staff Principal boB and Ms. Williams and trickling down is Wonderful. NSA has the same activities available to the students as any other school accept it is unique in incorporating the arts in that dynamic. My son is a upcoming sophomore at NSA and the support I've received in helping him to transition from middle school to high school as well as the transition for myself was beyond my expectations and so appreciated. The parents as a whole are supportive of all the children and each other. I could't ask for a better school for my child to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the highest and best arts schools. It is also has a high rating for college prep cirriculum.
—Submitted by a teacher