Amber Green had a few specific characteristics in mind when she began looking for an elementary school for her son Greyson. Green says she wanted a school that not only provided structure, but also joy.
“He’s a student that isn’t going to thrive in unpredictable settings,” said Green. “We were really looking for a school that would foster his curiosity but also provide him with a school day that he could know, first I do this, and then I do this, and then we have this great celebration once a week.”
Green says she found that in the soon to open Nashville Classical West public charter school.
Greyson will be a part of the school’s inaugural class next August. Wednesday he joined other students helping break ground on the future Davidson Drive location.
Nashville Classical West will begin the 2023-2024 school year with roughly 75 kindergarten students. The school will then add additional grade levels each year until it eventually serves students in grades K-8.
“Over the next decade, our city is going to continue to grow and we think a diverse, high-performing school right in the heart of west Nashville and along Charlotte Pike is one way to make our city a more equal place,” said Nashville Classical Founder and Executive Director Charlie Friedman. “Nashville is already a great place to move to and a great place to visit. Together, over the next 10 years – in the building behind me – we’re going to prove it’s a great place to grow up.”
Building on Success in East Nashville
The West Nashville school will be Nashville Classical Charter Schools’ second location in Davidson County.
The organization opened its first school in East Nashville in 2013 and that location has received multiple accolades for its performance. Last year the Tennessee Department of Education named Nashville Classical East a “Reward School,” recognizing its academic achievement and student growth.
Additionally, the U.S. News and World Report rated Nashville Classical East as Tennessee’s No. 1 elementary school in academic achievement and the Nashville Business Journal has named it the city’s best nonprofit.
The new school will be led by a familiar face around the East Nashville campus. Assistant Principal Alex Lambert has agreed to serve as the inaugural principal for the new school.
“I wanted to be part of starting this school because I believe every child deserves to attend a diverse, high-performing, safe school from their first day of kindergarten,” said Lambert. “As a Nashville resident, I know the challenges families in our community have faced in finding excellent public-school options. I believe an excellent education is the civil right of every child and as a school leader it’s my responsibility to ensure that every scholar is empowered to achieve greatness each day.”
Both Nashville Classical Charter Schools offer a classical curriculum built on the study of great books, foreign language, and music.
Green believes the combination will be perfect for her son as she feels he’ll thrive in the environment Nashville Classical West is now building.
“I think Classical has shown they really hit the nail on the head when it comes to having that balance of what kids need to grow and be successful but also be themselves and have a good time doing it,” said Green.
