High School offers niche online courses

University School of Nashville is partnered with the Malone Schools Online Network to offer students a variety of academically challenging courses beyond what is available to them on campus.
By Holly Newsome, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications 

University School of Nashville is known for delivering a dynamic, college-preparatory curriculum that empowers students to think critically and engage actively by taking ownership of their educational pursuits. The institution’s long-standing partnership with the Malone Schools Online Network highlights its dedication to academic excellence and commitment to students first. USN is one of 27 members in MSON, a consortium offering advanced classes in an interactive seminar format to independent high school students across the United States.

“USN and Former Director Vince Durnan were among the MSON founders. We played a role in the cultivation and growth of the program,” said Jeff Edmonds, Assistant Head of High School for Academic Affairs and MSON Steering Committee member. “This is a win-win program for students and teachers. Teachers use innovation to create courses with synchronous and asynchronous components. Students collaborate with peers from around the country during video conferencing while gaining valuable time management skills from completing assignments independently.” 

MSON offers students over 30 courses that align with their interests or needs beyond the curriculums offered at their independent schools. Among the most popular courses are Arabic, Advanced Economics, and Multivariable Calculus. Students individually complete four hours of coursework per week, so they are prepared to discuss, debate, and collaborate with their faculty expert and classmates during two hours of class per week. 

"These are college-like courses, meaning there is a certain level of challenge, but in meeting that challenge, students realize what they're capable of achieving," said Reanna Usin, MSON Executive Director. “MSON also offers a chance for students to get outside of their bubble – be exposed to new topics and classmates. The classes allow high schoolers to explore their interests in greater depth, and perhaps, new passions will be ignited. Our program can be a great option for students who are curious, responsible, and good communicators.”

Maddie Ewing ’24 signed up for two MSON courses this academic year after completing her first MSON class as a junior. She is not alone. This year 35 USN students are enrolled in 22 courses, including: Environmental Bioethics; Diversity in a Global Comparative Perspective; The Fiction of James Joyce; and Science and Ethics of Sports Performance: Genetics, Biochemistry, and Sociology. Maddie said she appreciates how the program allows her to explore her niche interests – the sciences – as she prepares for college. 

“MSON classes have challenged me to become a better student,” said Maddie. “I am more outgoing and a better communicator because of conversations with MSON students and teachers from different backgrounds. I am more efficient and a better planner because I balance MSON coursework with USN class and extracurricular commitments. Being a part of the MSON program is not always easy, but I do not shy away from it. I am embracing new ways of learning.”

High School Science Teacher and Cross Country Coach George Flatau is a long-time supporter of the MSON program and is teaching The Science and Ethics of Sports Performance: Genetics, Biochemistry, and Sociology class in fall 2023. He said he hears and sees the positive impact MSON courses have on students and teachers alike. He credits MSON with helping him deliver a unique educational experience that is helping students investigate their curiosities ahead of college.

“It’s amazing how I was able to take a topic that interests me as a coach and teacher and turn it into a class with readings, discussions, and visits from world-class experts for students who share that same fascination,” said Flatau. “My class is uncovering some cool things together, yet the individual personalities of students are shining through. MSON’s program is filling gaps, broadening backgrounds, and igniting passions for students ahead of college. My advisees tell me their MSON classes are great – challenging but they are learning so much.” 

USN models the best educational practices. The community’s continued partnership with MSON is a strong example of its pledge to provide a dynamic college-preparatory curriculum while considering students first. High School families interested in learning more about the MSON program can contact Edmonds. 

A listing of current and recent MSON classes taught by USN faculty:
  • The Science and Ethics of Sports Performance: Genetics, Biochemistry, and Sociology taught by High School Science Teacher and Cross Country Coach George Flatau. 
  • It Is Better to Speak: 100 Years of Women Writing for Change taught by High School English Teacher Ann Wheeler, Ph.D.
  • Advanced Abstract Math taught by Math Teacher Justin Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. 
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