Statements
Mission
The mission of St. Bernard Academy is to provide an excellent Catholic academic education built on a foundation of self discipline, compassion and a sense of responsibility for social justice in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.
Background
St. Bernard Academy has a rich history in Nashville started by the Sisters of Mercy in 1866. St. Bernard Academy moved to it's current location in 1905 when a convent and infirmary were constructed that included a school. In 1959 a high school building for the girls was constructed and operated as a high school until 1989. That year the Sisters of Mercy announced they would no longer operate the high school and a group of parents formed a not for profit and bought the building from the Sisters. St. Bernard Academy continues to operate and JK-4 through 8th level school in the high school building. In 2014 a capital campaign provided for the addition of 7 additional classrooms, a multi-purpose building and relocated the address to 2304 Bernard Avenue.
Impact
In 2017, St. Bernard Academy was named an exemplary, high performing school by the United States Department of Education. Construction on 18,000 square foot addition was completed in August of 2016 and used as the springboard to launch the 150th anniversary year celebration which culminated with a concert at the Ryman Auditorium. The building addition includes new office space, seven additional classrooms and a 4,600 square foot multi-purpose building. Additional improvements reconfigured the playground area with artificial turf and informal gathering spaces for students. Enrollment continues to rise with wait lists at five grade levels. Sixty per cent of our families have a connection to Vanderbilt University.
Needs
Top five needs include:Additional funding to provide for financial assistance for families with demonstrated need (approximately $135,000/year), funds to establish programs in STEM ($25,000/year), endowed music chair in honor of long time, 38 years, music instructor Michael Stewart. (Approximately$50,000), sponsored scholarships for three students ($15,000/year each), updates to 60 year old infrastructure (approximately $60,000/year for 5 years)
CEO Statement
St. Bernard Academy is an independent Catholic based academic institution that celebrated its sesqui-centennial in 2016. SBA works to instill in each child critical thinking skills, as well as a sense for helping others through a distinct service learning program. Our well educated faculty and staff energetically meet the needs of the ever changing student population. Seventy percent of our faculty members carry advanced degrees. -Chuck Sabo, Head of School
Board Chair Statement
Founded over 150 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy, St. Bernard Academy is a thriving educational institution located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Now governed by an independent Board of Trustees, our mission is to provide an excellent independent Catholic academic education built on a foundation of self-discipline, compassion and a sense of responsibility for social justice in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. We serve students from age three to eighth grade. - Shane Cortesi, Chairman of the Board
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Education - Primary & Elementary Schools |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | Religion- Related - Roman Catholic |
Areas Served
St. Bernard Academy is situated in an urban setting within close proximity to downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. St. Bernard attracts students from Davidson and the surrounding counties. St. Bernard Academy has added bus service from Williamson County as well as East Nashville and currently serves around two dozen families.
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Rutherford |
