List of 8 news stories.

  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification for Middle School Students

    Please keep an eye out later this week for a message from our nurses regarding an upcoming American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid session for middle school students, 12 years old and up. This session will take place on campus on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A message will be sent out with further details and the link to sign up.

    Moira Clark and Brooke Lovell are certified instructors through the American Red Cross and last year certified several middle school students. They really enjoyed offering students the opportunity to gain these important, life-saving skills.

    Please watch for a message if you are interested in signing your child up for this course.

  • A Hawk's Eye View: August 15, 2025

    Dear Harding Academy Community,

    On behalf of all the faculty and staff at Harding Academy, I would like to wish you all a very warm welcome back to school! We are thrilled to be welcoming 36 new PreK students and dozens of new students from Kindergarten through the 8th grade. What a joy it has been to see all the children arriving on the first day of school–smiles, laughter and a genuine enthusiasm about getting back to learning.

    If you missed my 2 Progress Reports this summer, recapping all of the projects that were accomplished, please click these links to view them: Report #1 and Report #2.

    I am very pleased with our new recruits. Our faculty span a couple of generations and represent all parts of our country. They are talented, strong, knowledgeable and well versed in all areas of pedagogy- from innovation and design to language arts and mathematics. We truly have a winning team! We put a lot of effort into building a solid PE roster as well. Among our teachers are football, soccer, volleyball, basketball experts who will add even more flavor to our PE classes and many teams.

    Our Family/Student handbook was updated over the summer and all families are asked to read and sign off on this handbook. Middle School students must also sign off to indicate that they have read and understood what Harding expects of them. I thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

    If you haven’t yet had the chance to see our new Wright Swift Lyle Building, we’d love to show you around—just give us a call to set up a tour. And be sure to mark your calendars for our Community Grand Opening on September 11, from 5:00–6:30 PM. The new building houses the Primary Education division made up of PreK and Kindergarten classes, the Pursuit Quiet room on the first floor, the Admissions Suite, the Creed Conference Room on the second floor as well as the very large Pursuit Activity room. We are very proud of all that our community has been able to accomplish over the last year and we invite you to come and see for yourself.

    All my best for a fantastic new school year.

    Warmly,

    Micheline Dutil
    Interim Head of School Consultant

  • A Hawk's Eye View: August 22, 2025

    Dear Harding Community,

    Walking into the Harding Middle School, you immediately feel a kind of energy—alive, fresh, unmistakably vibrant. It’s not just the towering tropical plants adorning the lobby entrance; it’s the students themselves. Middle schoolers are, in my opinion, one of nature’s most remarkable wonders. 

    This sense of vitality doesn’t happen by accident. It’s cultivated—with care, with intention, and with a deep respect for what it means to be - and stay - young. The plants I’ve brought to live in the middle school are not just to dress up the place. I have gathered and grown them in the hope that they will help students feel connected to the natural world around us. Middle schoolers tend to be (as they are supposed to be at this time in their lives) self-centered; our little tropical garden is a gentle reminder that the world is bigger than it may currently seem, and it is full of things to inspire wonder. The plants are an invitation to all who enter the building to step outside of ourselves. My favorite way to do that is to step outside. 

    Raised by a naturalist from the 60’s, I spent my childhood wandering the woods, creeks, and rivers of Nashville. I climbed trees, built fires and forts, caught fish and splashed in every inch of creek I could find. These moments—unstructured and unforgettable—are what instilled in me a profound sense of awe for the natural world. 

    Now in my 13th year at Harding—shaped by years of working with adolescents and softened by motherhood, with a young Harding student of my own—I feel a calling to foster this sense of awe in our kids. I feel it as a call from the earth itself, asking us to help our children reconnect with the world beyond walls and screens. Parenting a lower school child while working with students in middle school has given me the opportunity to interact with students across a wide range of grade levels, and I believe all of our kids could use a little more time to play, to create, to get dirty, to explore. 

    Take a look at our Fall After School Camp offerings and you’ll see opportunities for Harding kids - of ALL ages - to do just that. This year, we are offering many programs designed to nurture creativity, expand horizons beyond the classroom, and reconnect children with nature and with each other. After school camps offer space to explore passions, take risks, and discover new interests—all without the pressure of grades, performance, or competition.

    At Harding, growth and learning do not end with the school bell. They continue in play, in the dirt, in the woods, and around the fire pit. Education that lasts a lifetime is one which not only creates space for doing, but freedom for being. I’ll see you outside.

    Sincerely,
    Lilly Hall
    Middle School Assistant

  • A Hawk's Eye View: August 29, 2025

    Dear Harding Community,

    The return to school is always one of my favorite times of the year. With the bustle of new schedules, meeting teachers, and reconnecting with friends, campus is once again full of life and excitement. While summers are busy, I often say that nothing feels lonelier than a school without its students and teachers. The curiosity, energy, and joy that our community brings is contagious—and deeply missed during the summer months.

    In the Admissions Office, Erin, Gretchen, and I often joke that we are professional time travelers. We move between reflecting on the past year, welcoming students to the present year, and looking ahead to the future as we prepare for the next group of Harding Hawks. This rhythm grounds us in our mission and reminds us to stay present while planning ahead.

    The past admissions cycle was one of growth, learning, and strong partnerships. With the expansion of our PreK program and the opening of the Wright Swift Lyle Building, we experienced our most robust year yet. The 2025–2026 school year marked our highest enrollment ever, welcoming 71 new families and 111 new students.

    Today, Harding Academy serves 528 students and 359 families. Over 60% of our students are siblings, and 15% are legacies—meaning a parent or grandparent attended Harding. Together, 75% of our families are connected through sibling or legacy ties, a powerful testament to the strength and uniqueness of our community. We remain committed to growing the diversity of our community, with slightly more than 11% of our students self-identifying as students of color. On top of this, we continue to expand our reach across Nashville by enrolling students from over 40 feeder schools, while our upper grades (4–8) welcomed more new students than we’ve seen since before COVID, a sign of strong momentum across every division. All of this speaks to our strong reputation in the greater Nashville community.  

    So what makes Harding special? Above all, our community: dedicated faculty and staff, engaged parents, and incredible students who bring curiosity and joy to our campus every day.

    As part of our strategic plan, the Board of Trustees has reaffirmed Harding Academy’s commitment to accessibility. Last year, we met 100% of all demonstrated financial need for both new and returning families—a commitment not every school can make, and one that reflects our mission-driven leadership. Financial aid applications for the 2026–2027 school year will open on September 1.

    Looking ahead, PreK remains our primary entry point, with Kindergarten as an additional option. If you have a rising student, we encourage you to connect with us as you consider applying. Sibling applications for PreK and Kindergarten are due November 1, with assessments beginning the week of November 9. Most importantly, we hope you’ll visit us on campus and (re)experience firsthand why Harding is such a special place—not just for children, but for families as a whole.

    As the newness of the school year settles and the rhythm of structure returns, know that in the Admissions Office, Erin, Gretchen, and I have the privilege of falling back in love with Harding every day. With each conversation with a prospective parent, we get to share the magic of our school and invite families into something truly special—our community.

    With gratitude,

    Julie Fortune
    Director of Admissions & Enrollment
     

  • Athletic Highlights - August 22, 2025

    Zach Glotta

    Hawks Fall in Season Opener

    The Harding Hawks varsity football team opened up its season on Thursday, Aug. 14 against Providence Christian Academy out of Murfreesboro. The Lions offense opened up the scoring with three first quarter touchdowns as Harding's young and inexperienced team adjusted to game speed for the first time this season. 

    Down big at halftime, Harding came out and played much better in the second half. Quarterback Riley Husbands '26 connected with tailback Nash Donohue '27 on a bubble screen in the 4th quarter to get the Hawks on the scoreboard. After a Donohue interception, the Hawks were back in business and looking to put a second score on the board, but ran out of time. 

    Harding will be back in action on Wednesday, Aug. 27 when it hosts BGA at Sohr Track and Field at 5:00 PM. 


    Boys Varsity Tennis Match @ Lipscomb Academy
     
    The tennis team put forth an impressive showing in their recent match against Lipscomb Academy, highlighting both veteran skill and emerging talent. Asher Fremont battled to a tight 8-6 win in #1 singles, while Bantly West and Ethan Bannock powered through #2 and #3 singles with commanding 8-2 victories.

    In #1 doubles, Bert Hardison and Henry Hardin faced a tough comeback from Lipscomb Academy, who tied the match at 5-5, but the duo pulled away to clinch an 8-5 triumph. Meanwhile, 8th-grader Cohen Konopka, in his first varsity match, and 6th-grader Elliot Eickstein, in his middle school career debut, delivered an impressive 8-3 win in #2 doubles, underscoring the bright future of these newcomers.

    Adding to the team's success, Reid Hocker, Smith Roberson, Emerson Hearn, and Baker Kearns all secured victories in their exhibition matches, further demonstrating the squad's depth and potential.

    Varsity Volleyball Starts Season With Loss to Harpeth Hall

    Harpeth Hall defeated the Varsity Lady Hawks Volleyball Team in two sets 25-4 and 25-17.
    The Lady Hawks Varsity Volleyball Team kicked off the 2025 campaign with a loss at Harpeth Hall in two sets on Friday, August 15th. In the first set, the team was working through the jitters of their first game and combined with some hard serving by Harpeth Hall the Lady Hawks fell 25-4.

    The team settled in during the second set and gave Harpeth Hall a run for their money. Great serving by Scarlett Harrington and solid defense by Sumner Hanks kept the Lady Hawks in the fight. Despite a great effort by the team, Harding Academy came up short 25-17.

    The Lady Hawks sit at 0-1 in the conference heading into a busy week with games against Grace Christian and Lipscomb Academy.

    Junior Varsity Volleyball Starts Season With Loss to Harpeth Hall

    The Junior Varsity Volleyball Team fell to Harpeth Hall in two sets, 25-22 and 25-2
    The Lady Hawks Junior Varsity Volleyball Team kicked off the 2025 campaign with a loss at Harpeth Hall in two sets on Friday, August 15th. In the first set, the team came out aggressive and played well as a cohesive unit. Olivia Donahue led the Lady Hawks in scoring while Libby Sloan put in a great defensive effort in a tight 25-22 loss.

    In the second set, Harpeth Hall came out strong and quickly downed the Lady Hawks 25-2.

    The Lady Hawks sit at 0-1 in the conference heading into a busy week with games against Grace Christian and Lipscomb Academy.

     

     

  • Athletic Highlights - August 29, 2025

    Zach Glotta

    Wildcats Take Down Hawks

    The Harding varsity football team took to the field for its second game of the year on Wednesday, Aug. 27. BGA came to Sohr Track and Field on a mission and jumped out to a big first half lead and eventually won the game 34-6. 

    The Hawks rebounded well in the second half and the offense had a great drive to punch the ball into the endzone in the 4th quarter. Quarterback Riley Husbands '26 connected with tight end James Thomas '27 on a big 3rd down conversion to sustain the drive. Husbands then hit receiver Colston Laws '26 (Valor) who toe-tapped in the back of the endzone for a score. 

    The Hawks are back in action next Thursday, Sept. 4 as they host JP II for their 3rd consecutive home game to start the season. Come out and support the team! Go Hawks!!

    Boys Varsity Tennis Match @ Christ Presbyterian Acadamey 8/25

    On Monday, August 25, the Harding Boys Varsity Tennis team faced their first loss of the season, falling 3-2 to CPA in a competitive match. Despite the outcome, the Hawks fought hard. 
     
    At #1 singles, Asher Fremont secured a solid 8-5 win, while #2 singles player Ethan Bannock earned an 8-4 victory. CPA took #3 singles and #2 doubles, both with 8-1 scores. The #1 doubles match was a close contest, but the Hawks fell 9-7 in a tight finish.
     
    As just the second match of the season for this young team, the loss offers valuable experience. The Hawks look to regroup and compete against Brentwood Academy on August 26. Go Hawks!

    Boys Varsity Tennis Match @ Brentwood Academy 8/26

     
    On Tuesday, August 26, the Harding Boys Varsity Tennis team bounced back with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Brentwood Academy, showcasing resilience after a tough loss the previous day.
     
    Despite missing several starters, the Hawks rose to the challenge. #1 singles player Asher Fremont delivered a strong 8-2 win, while #3 singles player Bert Hardison impressed in his singles debut with a commanding 8-0 victory.
     
    The team started strong, leading on every court early in the match. However, #1 doubles fell 8-5 and #2 doubles lost 8-3, both in competitive matches that highlighted the potential of this young squad.
     
    The match came down to #2 singles player Ethan Bannock. Trailing 5-3, Bannock rallied as the last player on the court, winning five straight games to secure an 8-5 victory and clinch the match for Harding. The win improves the Hawks’ record to 2-1, with Asher Fremont and Ethan Bannock both remaining undefeated at 3-0 this season. The team looks forward to building on this momentum in their next match. Go Hawks!

    Varsity Cross-Country Takes To The Course at Ensworth

    The varsity cross-country teams took to the course on Thursday, August 28 at the Ensworth High School campus. The girls competed hard in the race with several team members out due to illness. Josephine Perkinson finished in 5th place overall with a time of 13:24. Eliza Gray Neal finished in 12th place overall with a time of 14:51. On the boys side, the team finished in 5th place overall with a combined score of 97 points. Ayman Abuali led the Hawks and finished in 3rd place overall with a time of 12:44 in the 2-mile race. Jet Taylor wasn't far behind and finished in 6th place overall with a time of 13:06. Next Thursday, September 4 the cross-country teams travel to Vaughn's Gap for meet #3. The girl's race will start at 4:15 with the boy's race to follow. Go Hawks!

  • Harding Academy Artist in Residence Program

    Now in its fourth year, Harding Academy’s Artist in Residence program brings professional artists to campus to share their craft and inspire our community. The goal of the program is to show students that art takes many forms and can be found all around us.

    This year, we are honored to host Jenny Pfanenstiel, a world-renowned milliner and official hatmaker to the Kentucky Derby. Jenny is introducing students to the artistry of couture hat design—demonstrating that creativity can be worn, celebrated, and experienced in new ways.

    Past artists have left lasting marks on our campus: a graphic mapping collage, a mural on the wall, and a glass mobile that still hangs outside our theater. Each residency expands our students’ understanding of what art can be, and invites them to see the world through a more creative lens.

  • Harding Academy STEM Night September 25 6:00 - 7:00 PM

    We are excited to announce our first Harding STEM Night which will be held on September 25th from 6:00-7:00 PM. 

    Our STEM Night will open at 6:00 PM with a brief keynote (geared towards students) from Dr. Eiman Jahangir MD, MPH. Dr. Jahangir is a professor of medicine and radiology at Vanderbilt University, with a focus on cardio-oncology. Dr. Jahangir’s recent space flight, one of the first Nashvillians in space, facilitated two research projects. 
     
    Following the keynote, families will have the opportunity to visit tables/booths in the gym where community members who work in the field of STEM will share insights into exciting work being done. From flying taxis and 3-D printing, to learning about community composting and hands-on activities, students and families will have an opportunity to engage and learn together - with the hope that future sparks of interest emerge. As we continue to plan for our evening, please complete this form if you are interested in participating. You can also reach out directly to Dr. Fecht (fechte@hardingacademy.us). 
     
    We are excited to launch this evening of community engagement within the field of STEM as it builds on programmatic developments that provide additional opportunities for our students. This year in grades 7 and 8, we are excited to offer weekly Vex Robotics class with an eye towards competition, where students will build awesome robots from scratch, learn to code like a pro, compete in exciting challenges,  and team up to solve real-world problems.
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Inspiring The Mind  •  Nurturing The Spirit
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