FAMILY GUIDE
HARPETH HALL
Dear Families,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our school community. Harpeth Hall is a place that encourages academic curiosity, cultivates a sense of belonging, and prepares girls to become purposeful young women ready to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world. What your daughter will learn, the relationships she will form, the confidence she will gain, and the growth she will experience here will lay a strong foundation for her future. As you prepare for your family’s first year at Harpeth Hall, this guide answers some questions you may have and provides important contact information. You will receive additional information from our division leaders and school administrators over the summer. You may also log on to the current families portal through the link on the Harpeth Hall website for the most up-to-date school information.
Additionally, reach out to us at any time. We are grateful that you have chosen Harpeth Hall for your daughter’s education.
Warmly,
Jess Hill, Head of School
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jess Hill Head of School
Jessica Bliss Director of Marketing and Communications
Frances Fondren-Bales Director of the Upper School
Jasmin Hopkins Director of Equity and Inclusion
Tom Murphy Director of Finance and Operations
Elizabeth Townsend Ecker ’00 Director of the Middle School
Kylene Lee Director of Athletics
Molly Rumsey Director of Information Services
Susan Moll Director of Advancement
Jessica Viner ’89 Director of Enrollment Management
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2025-2026 BOARD CHAIR AND PRESIDENT
Crissy Wieck ’96
2025-2026 BOARD MEMBERS
Trudy Ward Carpenter ’76, Vice Chair
Melanie Patterson Blank ’82, Vice Chair
Noni Nielsen ’93, Treasurer
Adelaide Davis ’79, Secretary
Rick Abramson
Harry Allen
Bahar Azhdari ’00
Melanie Patterson Blank ’82
Sacha Engel Bone ’93
Michelle Gaskin Brown ’01
Kate Sherrard Chinn ’93
Chris Cigarran
Adelaide Grace Davis ’79
Shani Dowell
David Fitzgerald
Jean Ann Banker
Melinda Owen Bass ’58
Nancy Graves Beveridge ’80
Varina Frazer Buntin ’61
Delta Anne Davis ’73
Patty Litton Delony ’66
Robert S. Doolittle
Amy Grant Gill ’78
Barbara Richards Haugen ’68
Reid Patton Fleishman ’14
Melissa Frist
Benjamin S. Gambill III
Elizabeth Robbins Hawkins ’82
Hal Hess
Collins Weaver Hooper ’88
Candace Story Lee
Travis Messina
John Morris
Arie Nettles
Barbara Keith Brown Payne ’85
HONORARY TRUSTEES
John Rivers Ingram
Martha Rivers Ingram
Jane Berry Jacques ’72
Kenneth J. Melkus
Britton H. Nielsen
Norris Nielsen
Richard W. Oliver
Barbara Massey Rogers ’56
Susan Willingham Simons ’60
EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Jess Hill, Head of School
Michelle Wolfe Proctor ’89
Anne Puricelli
Amy Richards
Alison Smith ’79
John Steele
Meredith McDonald Stewart ’96
Alison Urchin
George Vidalakis
Barby Speight White ’82
Tammy Wolcott ’81
W. Lucas Simons
Mary Schlater Stumb ’53
Jackie Glover Thompson ’64
Emily Cate Tidwell ’75
Jack Wallace
Peggy Smith Warner ’54
Dudley Brown White ’49
Reese Witherspoon ’94
Clark Elam Harwell ’90, Faculty Representative
Kate Berry ’00, National Advisory Council Chair
Susan Burks, Parents Association President
Caitlin Anthony Schubert ’07, Alumnae Board President
Caroline Tanner Everett ’07, Alumnae Board President-Elect
HARPETH HALL
MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
MISSION
Harpeth Hall educates girls and young women to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably.
VISION
With a deepening understanding of herself and boundless curiosity about the world, each Harpeth Hall graduate embraces her strengths and leads a life of purpose.
VALUES
Harpeth Hall’s values are the foundation of our school community.
• We build resilience, empowering our girls to be confident in their beliefs and abilities.
• Integrity and honor guide every decision and action.
• We celebrate intellectual curiosity and creativity, encouraging a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
• Kindness and respect enrich our interactions and strengthen the bonds within our community.
Together, we uphold these values, building a community where every individual feels supported and inspired by our educational mission.
FOR QUESTIONS
PLEASE CONTACT
Absences/Early Dismissals
Middle School Office
615-297-8578 msoffice@harpethhall.org
Upper School Office
615-298-8184 usoffice@harpethhall.org
Athletics
Kylene Lee
Director of Athletics 615-301-9281 kylene.lee@harpethhall.org
Arts
Brion Kennedy
Director of Performing Arts 615-346-0113
brion.kennedy@harpethhall.org
Communications
Jessica Bliss
Director of Marketing and Communications 615-346-0135 jessica.bliss@harpethhall.org
Counseling and Community Support
Fran Maddox
Director of Counseling 615-346-0086
fran.maddox@harpethhall.org
Learning Specialists
Charlotte Ward
Middle School Learning Specialist 615-301-9271
charlotte.ward@harpethhall.org
Dina Stevenson
Upper School Learning Specialist
615-346-0122
dina.stevenson@harpethhall.org
Giving
Annual Fund
Tracy Campbell
Director of Annual Giving 615-346-0083
campbell@harpethhall.org
Capital/Endowment
Susan Moll
Director of Advancement
615-346-0087 moll@harpethhall.org
Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) 2025-2026
Susan Burks
HHPA President susanelizabethburks@gmail.com
Mary Katherine Simmons
HHPA Vice President
Middle School marykatherine.simmons@gmail.com
George Vidalakis
HHPA Vice President
Dads Network george@vidalakis.net
Maintenance
Mike Hoots
Facilities Manager 615-346-0095 facilitiesmanager@harpethhall.org
Tuition and Billing
Emily Wild Runzo ’96
Spirit Store and Student Account Manager 615-346-0081
emily.runzo@harpethhall.org
Middle School
Elizabeth Townsend Ecker ’00 Director of the Middle School 615-346-0112
elizabeth.ecker@harpethhall.org
Meggie Lucas
Middle School Dean of Students
615-301-9278
lucas@harpethhall.org
Upper School
Frances Fondren-Bales
Director of the Upper School 615-346-0085
frances.fondrenbales@harpethhall.org
Kate McGowan
Upper School Dean of Students
615-348-0124
kate.mcgowan@harpethhall.org
Main Numbers
Souby Hall 615-297-9543
Nurses 615-301-9284
Library 615-346-0132
Security 615-207-1269 Extended Care 615-238-4701
Middle School
615-297-8578
Upper School 615-298-8184
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION
Allergies
Harpeth Hall is a peanut-free campus. We ask parents not to send their children to school with any items that include peanuts. Please speak with the school nurse regarding any allergies of which we should be aware by emailing nurse@harpethhall.org.
Campus Security
Harpeth Hall has a full-time security team that covers the campus from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and during on-campus events over the weekend. All buildings on campus are locked. Students, faculty, and staff members wear a green Harpeth Hall lanyard with a security access ID card to enter buildings. Campus visitors wear a yellow or pink lanyard and are run through the Raptor security system before entering buildings during school hours. The on-call security officer can be reached at 615-207-1269.
Carpool Etiquette (traffic safety)
• Refrain from cell phone use while driving on campus.
• Observe campus entrances and exits.
• Observe all directional signs and marked crosswalks.
• Observe 10 mph speed limit on campus.
• Post carpool name sign in a visible location.
• Yield to all pedestrians.
• Turn off car when waiting for carpool to start — no idling.
• Accessibility parking spaces are reserved for those with disabilities.
• When entering and leaving campus, observe the 15 mph Metro speed limit while in our school zone.
Meet-the-Teachers Nights
Both the upper school and middle school host meet-the-teachers nights in the fall. Middle school parents begin in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre and then have an opportunity to meet their daughter’s teachers. Upper school parents begin in their daughter’s advisory group and follow her daily schedule, meeting her academic teachers.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
In the middle school, specific days are set in the fall and winter for parent/teacher conferences. The fall conference is for parents and advisors; middle school students have the day off from school. During the winter conference, middle school students attend along with their parents and the students lead the conference discussion. The upper school has one conference day in the fall. Students in grades 10-12 attend and lead their conferences. Parents of 9th grade students meet with their daughter’s advisor; 9th grade students do not attend.
Pets on Campus
For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on campus grounds.
Teacher Appreciation
We ask that parents not give gifts to Harpeth Hall faculty, staff, and coaches. The best show of appreciation is a note from your daughter.
Visitors During the School Day
Campus visitors are required to check in at the middle school office or Souby Hall. All visitors will receive a colored lanyard and ID badge following a brief security check. We encourage our students to be responsible, and we ask parents to refrain from bringing items to campus that their daughters may have left at home. We believe it can be a beneficial experience to manage the consequences of forgetting an item. There are times when this is unavoidable, and you may bring those items to the carts outside the entrance to the middle school and outside Massey Center in the upper school.
Visitor Parking
There are visitor parking spaces available in the Esteswood parking lot by Souby Hall. There are also visitor spots in the Hobbs Road parking lot near the main entrance to the Athletic and Wellness Center and near the middle school flagpole. Visitors may park along the drive by the middle school flagpole for quick visits/drop-offs of less than 10 minutes.
BEFORE SCHOOL
TO-DO LIST
BOOKMARK THE CURRENT FAMILIES PORTAL
The current families portal, which can be accessed through a link on the Harpeth Hall website, is where you will log in throughout the year for the student directory, grades, the handbook, and other important information.
Audition for a Performing Arts Group
Information about dance company, choral, instrumental, and theatre ensembles is available on the current families portal. Some auditions may be held before the end of the current school year.
Sign Up for Middle School Sports
Harpeth Hall offers a wide range of sports for middle school students, and we encourage girls to try to new activities — even if they have never played a certain sport before. Details about which sports are offered and when each season begins are on the current families portal.
Try Out for Upper School Athletics
Upper school students may compete in a variety of sports across three seasons, including varsity-level competition and several no-cut sports. Whether your daughter is a current athlete or interested in trying something new, we encourage her to get involved. Details about athletic offerings and season start dates are available on the current families portal. Please note: many teams will host tryouts for the 2025-2026 school year this spring, during the week of May 26-30, 2025.
Submit Athletic Forms
All students are required to submit a Harpeth Hall physician’s report annually. Upper school students interested in participating in a sport must submit their physical/physician report no later than May 23. Middle school student physical/ physician reports are due August 1. A link to the form is available under the forms tab on the current families portal.
Order New Textbooks
Information about textbooks for the 20252026 school year will be communicated through the back-to-school email series this summer. You will receive step-by-step instructions in mid-July on how to order textbooks for your daughter.
Complete Back-to-School Forms
Before August 1
Harpeth Hall’s back-to-school information is available on the current families portal every June and will contain links to many valuable resources for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents will receive a series of emails that link to information, including summer reading lists, textbook lists, school supply lists, uniform information, and more. Parents must complete a series of back-to-school forms for their daughter, including medical forms, immunization forms, media releases, and trip agreement forms. These forms are required for every Harpeth Hall student each year and must be submitted by August 1.
Purchase Uniforms
The Harpeth Hall Parents Association hosts a Hang-Up Sale (gently worn uniform sale) before school starts. Dates and location of the sale will be promoted in the back-to-school email series in June and July. New uniforms can be purchased online through our school vendor FlynnO’Hara using this URL - https://flynnohara. com/shop/harpeth-hall-tn011/. FlynnO’Hara also has a store at 204 Ward Circle suite 400 in Brentwood. The store number is 615-622-6582. Additional optional uniform items include navy pants and a green puffy jacket which are available only through Lands’ End. More information will be available in the back-to-school emails. For questions, please contact Associate Director of Admission Lisa Hall at 615-346-0139 or hall@harpethhall.org.
Attend New Student Orientation
Information about new student orientation, including final dates and times, will be available during the summer. Tentative dates are July 28-Aug. 1 (Get Your Bearings for new 7th grade students), Aug. 7-8 (Honeybear 101 for new 9th through 12th grade students), and Aug. 19 (for all 9th grade). All new students should plan to attend. More details to come.
WE ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE SUMMER
If you have any questions, the following offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
• Advancement and Alumnae Relations Office
• Athletic Office
• Bear Cave/Technology Help Desk (8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment)
• Business Office
• College Counseling Office
• Communications Office
• Middle School Office
• Office of Admission and Financial Aid
• Souby Hall
• Upper School Office
THE HARPETH HALL
UNIFORM
Daily Uniform
The Harpeth Hall uniform includes the dress Campbell plaid skirt/skort (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee) or HH-branded navy pants, long- or short-sleeve white, green, or gray polo shirts with the HH logo, tall or calf-length white socks, and uniform shoes. Students may also wear the dress uniform shirt and the Harpeth Hall blazer as part of the daily uniform.
Dress Uniform
Students wear the dress uniform every Day 2 and on other designated days the school announces in advance. The dress uniform includes the dress Campbell plaid skirt/skort (no shorter than 3 inches above the knee) or HH-branded navy pants with Campbell plaid D-ring belt, long- or short-sleeve white button-down shirt with HH logo, tall or calf-length white socks, and uniform shoes. Students may choose to wear the Harpeth Hall blazer as a part of the dress uniform.
Lanyard and Security Access ID Card
The Harpeth Hall green lanyard and security access ID card are part of the uniform and must be worn visibly around the neck at all times.
Outerwear
During the winter months, a student may wear her own winter coat to school and when moving from building to building; however, only Harpeth Hall outerwear may be worn inside the buildings. Outerwear includes Harpeth Hall-branded sweatshirts, jackets, and the Lands’ End green puffy coat.
Uniform Shoe
The approved shoes are white or gray athletic shoes with white or gray shoelaces, including mid-top and high-top athletic shoes. Platform athletic shoes are not permitted.
Dress for Physical Education Classes
Physical education classes at Harpeth Hall include dance, wellness of the mind and body, strength and conditioning, yoga, and middle school physical education (P.E.). The required uniform for all of these classes includes any Harpeth Hall T-shirt in school colors (green, gray, or white) and athletic shorts with the HH logo. Upper school and middle school dance classes include the option of black leggings (not provided by Harpeth Hall). All new students will receive one uniform (white HH T-shirt and athletic shorts with the HH logo) on the first day of their wellness class. Additional T-shirts in school colors with the HH logo may be purchased from the Harpeth Hall Spirit Store, the Hang-Up Sale, and online through the BSN Sideline Store. Families may purchase additional wellness uniforms throughout the school year using a link found in the @HarpethHall newsletter. Additional uniform guidelines can be found in the 2025-2026 Student and Parent Handbook, available at the start of the school year.
Athletic Attire for Practices
Any Harpeth Hall T-shirt in green, gray, or white is acceptable for practice. Shorts must be green, gray, black, or white as well.
EXPENSES AT HARPETH HALL
Tuition at Harpeth Hall includes:
• Athletic team uniforms and regular-season travel
• Choir dresses and orchestra uniforms
• Class trips (for middle school students)
• Field trips
• Lunch
• Morning and afternoon extended care (for middle school students)
• PSAT registration
• School publications including the yearbook and student newspaper
• Science lab fee
• Student admission to all on-campus plays, concerts, and regular–season athletic events
• Student accident insurance
• Technology fee
• Uniforms for physical education classes (for new students)
Expenses Beyond Tuition
• Books: Approximately $350 to $500 depending on grade level. For upper school art classes, the book cost may also include a $150 fee for yearlong studio art or photography classes, a $75 fee for semester-long studio art or photography classes, and a $50 fee for semester-long media arts class.
• School uniform: A complete new uniform is approximately $175 to $280. A gently worn uniform can be purchased from the Hang-Up Sale for a reduced price.
• Additional uniform for physical education classes: One new uniform is included free for all middle school and new upper school students; additional uniforms cost approximately $40.
Optional Expenses
• Athletic expenses: There is no participation fee associated with any of our sports teams; however, some sports may require individual equipment to be purchased by the family or borrowed from the school, such as cleats, helmets, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, etc. The school provides uniforms and travel gear for athletes. Families will be responsible for food costs on away and overnight trips.
• Dance Company: There is no fee to participate in the dance company, however; there are incidental expenses such as shoes, leotards, tights, and makeup. Most costumes are provided.
• Orchestra: Instrument rentals are approximately $35-$60/month.
• AP exams: Exam fees for May 2026 have not been set yet. In 2025, the exam fee was $99.
• Upper School Winterim trips: Juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in Winterim travel, which includes academic trips and internships in cities across the country and around the globe. These trips are optional, and the majority of our students take advantage of Harpeth Hall’s extensive relationships with professionals throughout Nashville to complete internships locally during Winterim.
• Events: Some co-curricular activities, mixers, and dances are an additional expense with an average ticket price of $10.
Please know:
• For families receiving tuition assistance, additional resources are available to help with expenses beyond tuition including textbooks, uniforms, co-curricular activities, Winterim academic travel, AP exams, and other aspects of the Harpeth Hall experience. For questions, contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 615-346-0126 or financialaid@harpethhall.org.
COMMUNICATIONS
AT HARPETH HALL
Emergency Communication System
In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather that may delay the opening of school, close school, or cancel after-school activities, the Harpeth Hall communications team posts information on the website and notifies parents through email and text messages. To ensure communication is received, the school asks families to verify contact information through the back-to-school forms each August.
Harpeth Hall Communications
@HarpethHall is a weekly parent newsletter delivered by email every Thursday afternoon. It includes important announcements from the head of school and upper and middle school divisions, provides information about upcoming Harpeth Hall events, showcases stories about our students and faculty, and offers grade-level news and information for families from the deans of students.
Daily Announcements are daily emails to students from the deans of students with information about the next school day. Hallways is Harpeth Hall’s bi-annual magazine. It celebrates the successes of our students and graduates and offers in-depth stories about what is happening on campus.
HarpethHall.org
The Harpeth Hall website provides information about the school’s premier programs and news stories about speakers
and events. Current parents and guardians may access daily and monthly calendars, their daughter’s report card, athletic schedules, dance rehearsals, newsletters, social media posts, and more through the current families portal linked on the website.
Harpeth Hall App
Parents and guardians can download the Harpeth Hall app to stay informed. Through the app, a parent can view student grades, report an absence, access the family’s household calendar, see athletic and event calendars, and much more. To access the app, search “Harpeth Hall” in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
Student Handbook and Directory
The handbook for students and families contains student policies and expectations and is distributed digitally on the current families portal. Harpeth Hall does not use a printed directory. A digital directory with the most up-to-date information on family addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses can be accessed through the current families portal. The online directory is password-protected, and you must log in to access it. The school does not share a student’s personal contact information (emails/phone numbers) with anyone in the school community or beyond, and the directory should never be used for solicitations or shared with/given to third parties.
Facebook: @HHBears
Academics and campus life: @Harpeth_Hall
Athletics: @HHAthletics
Performing and visual arts: @HarpethHall_Arts
Harpeth Hall Parents Association: @HH_Parents
YouTube: @HarpethHallVideo
School Hours
PROCEDURES
The school opens at 7 a.m., and we ask that students not arrive before that time.
• Middle School Day
The middle school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. on all weekdays except late-start Wednesdays.
• Upper School Day
The school day for upper school students begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. on all weekdays except late-start Wednesdays.
• Late-Start Wednesdays
School begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays for middle and upper school students. This additional time in the morning gives students an opportunity for balance at the midpoint of the week. It can be used to rest, complete homework, or prepare for the day ahead. Faculty attend professional development sessions from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. School dismisses at the normal time. If there is an early dismissal scheduled on a Wednesday, students do not have a late start.
Carpool
Morning carpool begins at 7:30 a.m.
Afternoon carpool begins at 3:10 p.m.
Use the Hobbs Road entrance for middle school carpool. Use the Esteswood entrance for upper school carpool.
Morning Extended Care for Middle School Students
Morning extended care is available on campus from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and is provided free of charge. No prior registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome.
Middle school students arriving between 7 and 7:30 a.m. should be dropped off in front of the middle school building and go to the dining hall where a member of the extended care staff will supervise them.
Afternoon Extended Care for Middle School Students
Afternoon extended care is available on campus from 3:10 to 6 p.m. and is provided free of charge. No prior registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome. There is a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute for students who remain after 6 p.m. Middle school students remaining on campus after carpool ends are automatically checked into afternoon extended care in the dining hall and should be picked up there. Students waiting for a delayed athletic practice or game, for strength and conditioning (always 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for middle school), or dance company rehearsals must attend extended care until rehearsal or practice begins. Students may not wait in the gallery or an athletic facility. Students who need to stay following their rehearsal or practice must return to the dining hall and sign in with the extended care staff.
After School for Upper School Students
After school, upper school students may be in the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab until 6 p.m. They may also be in the library until 4:30 p.m. each day. During exam weeks, the library will post extended hours.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Harpeth Hall Parents Association
The Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) fosters a connected community to support all aspects of the Harpeth Hall mission through community events, support of faculty and staff, and fundraising.
Consider sharing your time and talents by chairing or joining one of our many HHPA committees. The HHPA hosts the Kickoff Coffee and Volunteer Fair at the beginning of each school year. Parents are invited to hear from the HHPA president and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Below are some of the volunteer opportunities. A complete list is available on the HHPA Hub, located on the current families portal. Follow @hh_parents on Instagram to stay informed. The HHPA sends a volunteer survey to parents in advance of each school year.
SCAN HERE for more information on the HHPA
• Harpeth Hall Spirit Store
Volunteer to work at the Spirit Store. Located in the Athletic and Wellness Center, the store is open Wednesdays and Fridays when school is in session, and during special events. Email HHSpiritstore@harpethhall.org to get involved.
• Sunday on Souby
Sunday on Souby is Harpeth Hall’s community fall family festival presented by the HHPA and the Head’s Young Alumnae Council (HYAC). It brings together past, current, and new families, as well as extended family, alumnae, and neighbors. This free annual event is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy student entertainment, carnival inflatables, games, and food. Numerous parents volunteer to help.
• The Main Event
The Main Event is the largest community builder and fundraiser hosted by the Harpeth Hall Parents Association. Funds support the HHPA operating budget, which enables events like back-to-school parties, parent socials, dances, and more, alongside supporting the school’s capital projects and financial aid efforts.
• Dads Network
The Dads Network is responsible for building community among Harpeth Hall dads throughout the year. The group gathers for socials, to hear from Harpeth Hall faculty, and to contribute expertise and lend a hand at events. The Dads Network Grille is an essential feature of Beargates, the fun-filled and celebratory events coinciding with major sporting events each fall, winter, and spring.
Admission Preview Day
The Office of Admission and Financial Aid hosts its annual Preview Day the first Sunday in November for prospective students and their families. Visitors tour campus, meet faculty, administrators, and students to learn more about Harpeth Hall. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of this event.
Volunteer for the Annual Fund
Each year, Harpeth Hall parent volunteers encourage parents in each grade to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Annual Fund. Harpeth Hall seeks 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund with a gift of any amount.
GIVING TO HARPETH HALL
The Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of the fundraising program at Harpeth Hall. As an independent school, Harpeth Hall receives no government funding and relies on tuition, endowment, and charitable gifts as the primary sources of funding.
• How does my gift to the Annual Fund help the school?
Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund immediately benefit each student and faculty member by enriching all academic and co-curricular programs. Gifts also support faculty professional development, financial aid, service learning, and the maintenance of our campus. Funds raised are put to use in the same year they are received.
• Who contributes to the Annual Fund?
Alumnae, parents of current students, parents of alumnae, grandparents, faculty, trustees, foundations, matching gifts from corporations, and friends of Harpeth Hall all support the school through the Annual Fund. In 2023-2024, nearly 2,500 donors made gifts totaling nearly $2.8 million to the Annual Fund.
• How much should I give?
Every gift, no matter the amount, is essential to Harpeth Hall’s success. All donors at all levels are recognized in our Annual Report on Philanthropy.
• When and how may I give?
Participation by each family every year is important. Gifts made by check, credit card, or with appreciated securities may be given between July 1 and June 30 of each school year.
• How do matching gifts work?
If you or your spouse work for a company that matches charitable contributions, you may be able to double or triple the amount of your gift. Information is available through your company’s human resources department.
Capital Campaigns and Endowment
Harpeth Hall conducts capital campaigns periodically for bricks and mortar projects and for endowment. While gifts to the Annual Fund support the daily operations of the school, charitable gifts for capital projects have built the campus that our students enjoy today. From the Ann Scott Carell Library and the Athletic and Wellness Center to the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab, each building is the result of individual philanthropy and a commitment to providing educational excellence for girls. Harpeth Hall recently broke ground on a new upper school STEM Center for Girls and is actively seeking gifts to fund the full cost of the project. Gifts to Harpeth Hall’s endowment provide a permanent source of support for faculty salaries, financial aid, and the long-term maintenance of our campus. Planned gifts may also be directed to endowment. It is our hope that families will support the Annual Fund each year, as well as capital campaigns when underway.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts generally evolve from estate planning. These gifts range from simple bequests to life-income gifts or creative arrangements using retirement-plan benefits. Making a planned gift may allow donors to give more in the future than is possible today and may provide tax advantages or income for a term of years or life. The Founders Society recognizes all individuals who have committed to supporting the school with a planned gift.
For More Information
Contact:
• Director of Advancement Susan Moll at moll@harpethhall.org or
• Director of Annual Giving Tracy Campbell at campbell@harpethhall.org.
More information can also be found in the Giving section at HarpethHall.org
GLOSSARY
Advisors and Advisory Groups
Middle school students are assigned an advisor every year. Upper school students are assigned advisors for two years. The advisor serves as an academic counselor, student advocate, and liaison between the student, parent, or another faculty member. Middle school students meet in advisory once during each seven-day rotation. Upper school students meet with their advisory groups for 30 minutes once a week on Wednesdays.
Angkor, Ariston, Eccowasin, and Triad
Harpeth Hall has four spirit clubs originating from our predecessor school, Ward-Belmont. Each student belongs to one of these clubs and participates in friendly athletic and academic competitions with the others. Students are randomly assigned to clubs unless the student has a family member who attended Harpeth Hall or Ward-Belmont and was in a specific club.
Athletic and Wellness Center
The AWC is the 60,000-square-foot fitness facility that includes the green gym, gray gym, and wellness, yoga, training, and weight rooms. Outdoor athletic spaces include the Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex, tennis facility, softball field, and a competition-size practice field.
The Bear Cave
Harpeth Hall technology support is located on the lower level of the library and is open every school day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may take their laptops to the Bear Cave for repair, troubleshooting, or questions. Most repairs will take place within the same day (often within the hour). In the event that a laptop requires more extensive repair, the student will be provided with a loaner laptop until hers can be returned.
Bear Families
Bear families are small groups of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that meet together to play games and have fun. Eighth grade students lead all activities.
Blackbaud Tuition Management
Harpeth Hall’s online student tuition billing platform available at https://parent.blackbaud.school/
Bullard Bright IDEA Lab
Located in the heart of the Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School, the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab is the newest place on campus for creativity and collaboration. IDEA stands for innovation, design, and education in action. In the lab, students build projects in the makerspace, create chemistry experiments in the teaching kitchen, design robots, record podcasts, and study together in a space that feels much like a college commons area. With its soaring ceilings, light-filled collaboration spaces, and unique design touches, the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab is the community-building hub of the school.
Class Year
A student’s class year is indicated by an apostrophe and the graduating year. For example, Jane Honeybear ’28.
Counseling Services
Full-time, licensed counselors are available during school hours to address family, individual, and group counseling needs of our students. The goal of Harpeth Hall’s counseling office is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students.
Dress Campbell Plaid
Harpeth Hall’s official uniform plaid.
Faculty Office Hours
From 7:30 to 8 a.m. each morning except during late-start Wednesdays, students may meet with teachers to ask questions about course material, homework, or class projects. On late-start Wednesdays, faculty are available from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA)
The Harpeth Hall Parents Association (HHPA) fosters a connected community to support all aspects of the Harpeth Hall mission through community events, support of faculty and staff, and fundraising. Follow the HHPA on Instagram @hh_parents.
Harpeth Hall Spirit Store
The spirit store offers a variety of spirit wear — T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and jackets — along with fun accessories such as water bottles, car decals, and more. Located in the Athletic and Wellness Center, the store is open Wednesdays and Fridays when school is in session. You can also shop the Harpeth Hall Spirit Store online by visiting harpethhall.org/community/spirit-store.
Additional HH logo gear can be purchased online at the BSN Sideline Store. A link to the BSN virtual store can be found in back-to-school emails this summer and the weekly @HarpethHall newsletter during the school year.
The Hang-Up Sale
Harpeth Hall’s gently worn school uniform sale is held monthly in the basement of Souby Hall. Sale details are promoted in the weekly @HarpethHall newsletter.
Honeybear
Harpeth Hall’s school mascot.
The Honor System
As part of the school mission, Harpeth Hall promises to teach students to live honorably. Living honorably at Harpeth Hall means conducting oneself with integrity and honesty. It encompasses a commitment to treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect. It means making the ethical choice — even when faced with difficult situations or peer pressure — and always being accountable for one’s actions. Living honorably also extends to academic pursuits. At the beginning of each school year, students attend the annual honor assembly, where every student commits to act with honor and integrity by respecting the ideas and work of others. Following the assembly, each student signs the academic honor code, which serves as Harpeth Hall’s foundation for learning. Students affirm they will not cheat, plagiarize, or assist others on tests or assignments, and they will maintain academic honor in their use of technology and social media.
Kirkman House
Located on the Estes Road side of campus behind the Daugh W. Smith Middle School, Kirkman is the official residence of the head of school. Advancement, HHPA, and other school events may take place at Kirkman House.
Lady of the Hall
The Lady of the Hall is the most cherished award that a senior can receive. Selected by the upper school faculty, staff, and student body, this young woman exemplifies the highest ideals of Harpeth Hall — integrity, kindness, and loyalty to others and to her school. Her character is as strong as her intellect. Each grade level selects a student representative to serve on the Lady of the Hall Court at Step Singing.
Learning Specialists
The middle school and upper school learning specialists act as resources to recommend evaluations and develop individual learning plans for students. The learning specialists also reinforce skills including organization, time management, academic planning, study strategies, essay and research paper writing, and test taking.
Library
The Ann Scott Carell Library serves all students in grades 5-12. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when school is in session. Eighth grade students may study in the library after school until 4:15 p.m. and then must be signed out by a parent/guardian or go to Harpeth Hall afternoon extended care. Upper School students may study in the library until 4:30 p.m.
The Library Board Room
A meeting area on the lower level of the library.
The Jack C. Massey Center for Mathematics and Science
The two-story building on the south end of the upper school that houses the math and science departments.
The
Idanelle McMurry Center
The performing arts center houses the Frances Bond Davis Theatre, a 732-seat auditorium and community gathering space, the Marnie Sheridan Gallery, and Morrison Hall. Performing arts classes are held in this building, including orchestra, choir, modern band, dance, and theatre.
Middle School Honor Day
On the last day of school for all middle school students, Harpeth Hall honors the 8th grade class for the completion of the middle school program. Students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades are required to attend Honor Day.
MS
The abbreviation for middle school. The official name is the Daugh W. Smith Middle School.
Patton Visual Arts Center
Home to all visual arts and art history classes
PLAID Series
PLAID (Parents Learning And In Discussion) is an educational series for parents that offers opportunities to learn from renowned national experts, as well as Harpeth Hall’s experienced counselors, faculty, and school leaders, about topics that affect our girls. Events happen monthly, and experts cover a wide range of subjects to help our girls thrive and parents navigate the middle and high school years. You can find the complete schedule on the current families portal.
Pods
Grade-level student gathering areas in the middle and upper schools. Pods for the 5th and 6th grades are on the lower level of the middle school, and 7th and 8th grade pods are on the upper level. In the upper school, 9th grade meets on the third floor of the Wallace wing, and 10th grade gathers on the second floor of Wallace. Juniors meet in the Massey lobby, and seniors gather in the Senior House and Gambill Courtyard.
Richards Room
This 100-seat lecture hall is located on the upper level of Patton Visual Arts Center and is used frequently for parent meetings.
Saturday School/Detention
When a student does not abide by community rules and expectations, she may receive demerits and be required to serve detention (middle school) or attend Saturday school (upper school). If a student cannot serve on a Saturday due to religious observance, another day is arranged.
School Colors
Magnolia green and silver gray.
Schoology
The online learning management system where students can access resources and assignments posted by their teachers.
Senior House
Located between the Massey Center and Souby Hall, the Senior House is decorated, maintained, and used by the current senior class.
Souby Hall
The original brick building on campus that includes administrative offices. The building is named after Susan S. Souby, Harpeth Hall’s first head of school.
STEM Center for Girls
Scheduled to open in early 2027, the new 40,666-square-foot STEM Center for Girls will more than double the size of Harpeth Hall's current math and science building, including a new science wing, expansive math classrooms, robotics and makerspaces, and a grand upper school entrance. We envision the new STEM Center as an incubator for groundbreaking scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.
Step Singing
Held the Sunday before graduation, Step Singing is a year-end event when the leadership of the school is passed from the senior class to the junior class. At this ceremony, which was brought to Harpeth Hall from Ward-Belmont, the junior and senior classes sing their class songs on the steps of the library and honor the Lady of the Hall. All upper school students are required to attend Step Singing, and middle school students are encouraged to attend.
Sunnybrook
The house behind the Athletic and Wellness Center where the Advancement and Alumnae Relations offices are located.
TSSAA Athletic Dead Period
A two-week period during the summer when all athletics cease per the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). For detailed information concerning the dead period and other regulations, visit tssaa.org.
US
The abbreviation for upper school. The official name is the Hortense Bigelow Ingram Upper School.
Veracross
The student information database that includes online school/family directories, report cards, and student schedules. It is password-protected and accessible through the current families portal.
Wallace Wing
Located on the north end of the upper school building, this wing houses the English, history, social sciences, and world languages departments.
Ward-Belmont
Formed in 1913 by the merging of Ward Seminary and Belmont College for Young Women, Ward-Belmont was a college preparatory day school and junior college. It was the first junior college in the South to receive full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. After it closed in 1951, a group of Nashvillians founded The Harpeth Hall School. Harpeth Hall was modeled after and still derives many traditions from Ward-Belmont.
O Harpeth Hall, O place beloved, Thy beauty crowns the hill; In strength and grace thy walls arise
Above the woodland still.
Our voices ring with happiness, Our hearts are filled with pride, As here each girl finds for herself
The joys that will abide. So light of heart and free, we pledge Allegiance through the years.
As old girls with the new girls share The pleasure that endears. Thy standard from the hilltop waves In dark magnolia green And of thy destiny so fair Proud privilege to sing!
— Martha Corwin Gregory
Winterim
Started in 1973, Winterim is a three-week program in January that offers upper school students the unique opportunity to develop new interests, travel to unfamiliar places, explore potential careers, and create memories for a lifetime. Students in 9th and 10th grades return to campus after winter break and enroll in three weeks of project-oriented courses presented by faculty and visiting experts from around the country. Students in 11th and 12th grades become adventurers through global academic travel, independent study experiences, and professional internships in Nashville and cities throughout the country.
Alma Mater
