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