Curriculum
High School
Grades 9-12High School & Beyond
USN's High School provides a dynamic college-preparatory curriculum in the tradition of the liberal arts, emphasizing breadth and depth of study across a range of disciplines and providing unique opportunities for advanced courses and independent study.
By creating a challenging and supportive learning environment, we empower students to think critically and engage actively by taking ownership of their educational pursuits. While preparation for college is central, we aim to lead students to become thoughtful citizens who are responsible and respectful of themselves and others.
By creating a challenging and supportive learning environment, we empower students to think critically and engage actively by taking ownership of their educational pursuits. While preparation for college is central, we aim to lead students to become thoughtful citizens who are responsible and respectful of themselves and others.
A Student-Led Education
"We, members of the University School [of Nashville] community, value intellectual integrity, respect personal rights, and accept the responsibility for our freedom."
– Student Declaration of Values, adopted 1986
List of 4 items.
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~30
Student-Designed Independent Studies Each Semester -
4
Grade Level Retreats Every August -
55+
Student-Led Clubs & Organizations -
75
Unique College Choices by the Class of 2023
What Guides Our HS Program?Education for the Individual
Blending a respect for tradition with a commitment to educate young people for a rapidly changing world, our students leave 2000 Edgehill able to write clearly, read analytically, think critically and creatively, and speak articulately in a range of settings. We honor a guiding philosophy focused on student-centered instruction and active learning, collaboration, inclusion of diverse perspectives, promotion of active citizenship and service, and building a foundation for a lifetime of learning.
We meet the needs of a diverse student body through a series of rigorous yet fulfilling course requirements coupled with innovative research-based and experience-based methods in all disciplines: English, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, and the arts. An extensive Advanced Placement program, a wealth of independent study opportunities, and a vast array of electives highlight our commitment to student choice. Students may also be approved to take courses at Vanderbilt University, which is across the street from USN.
We meet the needs of a diverse student body through a series of rigorous yet fulfilling course requirements coupled with innovative research-based and experience-based methods in all disciplines: English, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, and the arts. An extensive Advanced Placement program, a wealth of independent study opportunities, and a vast array of electives highlight our commitment to student choice. Students may also be approved to take courses at Vanderbilt University, which is across the street from USN.
Progression, Passion, IndependenceCurriculum Details & Catalog
USN’s high school curriculum is built to support the development of each student as they make their way from the beginning of high school through the senior year.
HS Curriculum Course Details
Our 9th and 10th grade curriculum focuses on foundational skills and content, developing shared language for inquiry at each grade level. At the same time, hands-on laboratory work, rich literature, difficult conversations, and practical projects open students up to a diverse range of experiences and develop the collaborative and curious spirit that animates our academic community.
HS Curriculum Course Details
Our 9th and 10th grade curriculum focuses on foundational skills and content, developing shared language for inquiry at each grade level. At the same time, hands-on laboratory work, rich literature, difficult conversations, and practical projects open students up to a diverse range of experiences and develop the collaborative and curious spirit that animates our academic community.
In the 11th and 12th grade, our curriculum offers a wide range of choices. Every decision students make leads to intellectual challenge, exposure to multiple ways of thinking, and authentic interest. Each USN student graduates with their own story, having built a unique transcript that speaks to a journey of curiosity, challenge, self-knowledge, independence, and success. They leave ready to make their own mark on the world.
USN High School LifePrograms & Opportunities
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Advisory
It's critical that all students have an adult to whom they can turn for guidance, advocacy, and support, and our advisory program fulfills this important role. Each student is a member of a small advisory group led by a teacher or administrator.
Advisory offers students guidance, support, and a sense of connection with faculty and classmates, while also allowing an opportunity for engagement with peers that spans a broad range of topics — equity and belonging, student mental health, character education, conduct, and current issues, among others. -
Athletics
Through athletic competition, students can develop greater knowledge of their physical potential, the self-confidence that comes from exceeding personal limits, and a deeper understanding of the joys and responsibilities of being part of a team. Athletics at USN serves as a source of school pride as well.
In High School, our most competitive athletes compete for conference, regional, and state championships while maintaining the schools' athletic philosophy.
USN Athletics -
Clubs & Organizations
A wide array of clubs and organizations act as the entry point to cocurricular life at USN and offer students a way to explore new interests, build and strengthen bonds with classmates, and develop valuable leadership skills.
Organizations are more established, outward-looking, and mission-driven, serving to enhance the quality of life of the entire student body, the school community, and the world at large. Meanwhile, clubs vary greatly from year to year as they're more focused on a specific hobby or interest. -
Counseling
Developed and implemented by our school counselors with a commitment to a student’s social and emotional health, our K-12 counseling programming emphasizes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making with a focus on the areas of healthy relationships; drug, alcohol, and other substance prevention; technology and technological ethics; emotional health and well-being; and, physical health and well-being designed to be grade-level appropriate.
Programming includes one-on-one counseling, small groups, integrated classroom curriculum, and divisionwide activities, as well as parent education opportunities to complement what students are learning. -
MSON
As a member of the Malone Schools Online Network, USN offers High School students a variety of academically challenging courses beyond what's available to them on campus.
These interactive seminars bring students together from across the United States with dedicated teachers in real time to dive into a wide variety of fields and subjects with courses like "Philosophy in Pop Culture," "The Politics of Horror," "Cybersecurity," and much more. Get a taste of the MSON experience with some students and veteran USN High School teachers:
- "The MSON Difference" featuring Annie '24
- Mr. Flatau, (The Science & Ethics of Sports Performance)
- Dr. Masullo (Bob Dylan's America)
- Dr. Wheeler ("It Is Better to Speak:” 100 Years Of Women Writing for Change) -
Performing & Visual Arts
Students at USN enjoy a wealth of opportunities in both the visual and performing arts. We ask students to reflect inward, to demonstrate commitment, curiosity, and craft in creating their work and encourage them to be courageous and trust the process of experimentation.
Technique and creativity collide in our classrooms where young artists have the freedom to adventure into imaginary worlds, explore new identities, and tell untold stories with the encouragement and support of our well-trained faculty.
Find out more about the Arts at USN -
Service Learning
Students are taught to be global citizens and active contributors to their communities through service learning opportunities. A critical component of a USN education, students are encouraged to think creatively to solve problems and help others in the world around them. -
Student Support
Meeting the needs of the individual student is an integral part of a USN education. Recognizing that each student learns differently, we boast a team of math, literacy, and learning specialists across all three divisions to ensure all students are challenged and encouraged to learn at their own pace.
In collaboration with classroom teachers, our team of specialists uses a variety of methods including push-in, pull-out, small group, and full class strategies to meet the diverse needs of our learners.
Building CommunityClass Retreats
High School students and faculty step away from their daily routines to experience an educational adventure beyond the traditional classroom.Each class retreat held in late August takes place in a different setting as students gain life skills and strengthen their relationships with their peers and teachers.
High School Leadership
List of 13 members.
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Curriculum
13 grades, unlimited possibilities. -
Creativity
Creativity, inspiration, collaboration. -
Competition
Transformational teamwork.
Contact USN
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.