Nashville School of the Arts offers opportunities for excellence in academics as well as the arts. Regardless of which area of art a student pursues, a rigorous academic curriculum is also required.

All students who graduate from NSA have completed the academic requirements of a university preparatory curriculum as well as the required arts curriculum. An average of 40% of graduates complete the Scholars Program required for an Honors Diploma.

Approximately 4 out of 5 NSA graduates enroll in a 4-year college or university. A sampling of the post-secondary schools attended by NSA graduates includes the University of Southern California, DePaul University, Columbia College (Chicago) Fordham University, Belmont University, Tuskegee University, Vanderbilt University, and Berklee.

Honors courses are offered at every grade level. Advanced Placement courses are offered in English, U. S. History, Biology, Music Theory, Art History, and Studio Art. Students who take these courses and pass a standardized exam may receive college credit. In 2004, two NSA students were recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. (These students have received a score of at least 3 on at least 3 AP exams.)

Five levels of mathematics, six levels of science, and four levels of foreign language are offered. Extra curricular activities which promote academic excellence include National Honor Society, Beta Club, Book Club, Forensics Team, Spanish Club, and French Club.

Over 50% of NSA’s faculty members hold advanced degrees, including several doctorates. NSA’s academic teachers have received recognition for their achievements, including the Secondary Teacher of Excellence Award for Tennessee awarded by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Mr. Bob Wilson, principal at NSA for seven years, has been chosen as Metro Nashville Public School’s High Principal of the Year 2007/08. We are extremely proud to have someone with his background in arts and music as principal at Nashville School of the Arts.

Nashville School of the Arts is one of two Nashville Public Schools designated as an “Outstanding School” by the Tennessee Department of Education. NSA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).