Affordable Excellence at SBA: Why We’re Among the Best Schools in Nashville

 

St. Bernard Academy (SBA) is a beacon of academic excellence and inclusivity in the heart of Nashville. As an independent Catholic school, we offer a nurturing Pre-K 3 through 8th grade model that caters to the holistic development of our students. By providing an exceptional education that is more affordable than our peer schools, we ensure our students have the opportunity to thrive in a smaller private school setting.

Here are three reasons why SBA is one of the best elementary schools in Nashville–and a fantastic choice for both your family and your child.

1. We are committed to maintaining affordable tuition rates for all our students.

At SBA, we believe high-quality education should be accessible for all. Our dedication to maintaining affordable tuition rates sets us apart from our peer schools in Nashville, many of which have tuition rates that are significantly higher than ours. Our administration and Board of Trustees are dedicated to serving both our students and their families by offering students exceptional educational opportunities without placing undue financial stress on their families.

TIP: Did you know you can use a 529 plan to pay for your child’s private school tuition? This can be a great way to manage educational expenses. Learn more about how a 529 plan can benefit your family by visiting this resource.

 

2. We also provide financial assistance to our families.

We are dedicated to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent any family from accessing the quality education SBA provides. We don’t want any family to assume SBA is out of reach solely for financial reasons. While each family is expected to make tuition contributions, our goal is to offer need-based financial assistance to families who require support, allowing more children to benefit from our programs. We also aim to make our tuition as approachable as possible for applying families. This means offering straightforward tuition payment plans and keeping application fees low, so the process is accessible and manageable for all.

TIP: Learn more about applying for financial aid at SBA here. We recommend completing the financial aid process by the end of February each year to determine your need. (Keep in mind that admissions decisions are made separately from your family’s financial aid application.)

 

3. While we are dedicated to affordability and accessibility, our academics remain rigorous.

At SBA, affordability does not come at the expense of academic excellence. As one of the best elementary schools in Nashville, our rigorous curriculum is designed to empower, inspire, and challenge our students; we believe this is the best way to set them up for future success as a student and citizen. We have impressive graduate statistics that speak to the quality of education our students receive. Our alumni go on to excel in high school and beyond, equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to become lifelong learners, capable leaders, and compassionate young adults. 

Even though our tuition is more approachable than other options in Nashville, our faculty and staff are committed to expanding the opportunities available for our diverse body of students.  We provide a range of extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, and advanced coursework to provide a well-rounded education that ensures each student learns, grows, and broadens their experiences. What’s more, our commitment to serving the whole child means addressing not just academic needs, but also each student’s emotional, social, and spiritual development. This holistic approach fosters a nurturing and family-like environment where every child can grow, both as a young person and as a student. 

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At St. Bernard Academy, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students academically, emotionally, and spiritually for their academic career and beyond. Our community is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the values of the Sisters of Mercy, which emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals. 

If your family is deciding on a Nashville private school, consider the benefits of St. Bernard’s commitment to affordable education combined with rigorous academics. Our goal is to serve our students and their parents alike by expanding our students’ horizons through our variety of courses and programming while keeping tuition accessible for their parents, ultimately forming a thriving, inclusive, and enthusiastic community of families in Nashville.