Thank you for your interest in Harding Academy! The best way to begin the admissions process is by submitting an online inquiry. The form takes less than 5 minutes to complete and provides our Admissions Team with the key information needed to partner with you on this journey.
Once you submit an inquiry, our Admissions Team will review the information provided (i.e. household details, the grade you are applying to, and your child’s interests) to guide your next steps along your admissions journey.
Additionally, you will automatically be added to our mailing list, ensuring you receive updates on upcoming events, deadlines, and all things Harding.
Once you submit an application, our system will send you an email with login credentials and a link to create your Parent Portal password. We recommend bookmarking this page for easy access.
Through the portal, you can:
Register for tours, Shadow Days, and other admissions events
Schedule required assessments
Check the status of admissions requirements such as teacher recommendations, transcripts, etc.
Application deadlines vary by grade level and family status:
New Families
PreK: November 1, 2026
K – 8th Grade: January 3, 2027
Returning Families
PreK, K, and Grade 6: November 1, 2026
Grades 1–5, 7–8: January 3, 2027
Our largest entry points are PreK, kindergarten, and 6th grade. Admission to other grades depends on availability. Because Nashville is a growing and dynamic city, we encourage families to apply even if a grade appears full. Our Admissions Team is committed to being open and transparent throughout the process and will communicate clearly about availability and next steps.
A Shadow Day allows your child to experience life at Harding firsthand. During their time at Harding, prospective students will:
Spend time paired with a “Shadow Day host” in the grade they are applying to, not their current grade
Participate in classes
Meet teachers, administrators, and classmates
Experience our school culture
Explore our cafeteria and enjoy lunch on us
During the visit, your child will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know some of our staff and faculty.
Shadow Days are scheduled through the Parent Portal. Dismissal is typically after lunch, but exact times vary by grade. Students should wear comfortable, school-appropriate clothing. It is important to note that students will be paired with a host in the grade they are applying for and not the grade they are currently in. For example, if your child is applying to grade 5, your child will shadow a student in grade 5.
Yes. Financial Aid is available for both new and returning families. Importantly, the Financial Aid application process is completely separate from admissions decisions.
Aid is allocated based on demonstrated need. For more details, please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid webpage. Families applying for Financial Aid should reach out to the Admissions Team for an application fee waiver.
Yes, we do require students to wear uniforms at our school. We believe that uniforms help promote a sense of community, reduce distractions, and create a focused learning environment. Uniforms also encourage school spirit and help students feel a sense of belonging. We're happy to provide more details about our uniform policy if you have any questions
