ENSWORTH 2022 | 2023 Explore
Ensworth is a place where...
You can discover what you love, who you are, and who you want to become.
You can learn, perform, play, experiment, and excel .
You are supported, challenged, encouraged, and inspired
You are empowered to be yourself—the best version of yourself.
Ensworth is a place for you.
Guiding Principles
Motto In Search of Truth
Mission
Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.
Vision
We envision a school community dedicated to following the highest principles with the greatest love, as characterized by moral integrity, intellectual vitality, discipline, compassion, humor, and joy.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In order to realize the goals of our Mission and Vision, Ensworth actively strives to be a diverse and inclusive community of learners that engages collectively In Search of Truth. The presence of different perspectives and life experiences plays a vital role in the development of our students, enhancing classroom and extracurricular experiences in meaningful ways. As a school, we are committed to cultivating an environment in which all members of the Ensworth community experience a true sense of belonging and are empowered to be active participants in the life of the School. These efforts are essential if we are to foster the growth of all students in line with their potential, and to equip them for lives of purpose that extend far beyond their time at Ensworth.
Our Mission, Vision, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements are more than just words. They are guiding principles that are woven into everything we do at Ensworth.
Lower School
Joy & Wonder
In the Lower School, classroom teachers and enrichment teachers work together to engage students in active learning where questions and curiosity are encouraged. Students are introduced to fundamental content and Core Skills that they will continue to develop throughout their Ensworth experience, laying a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Core Skills enhance growth and learning. Across all disciplines collaborate evaluate apply knowledge communicate observe question hypothesize ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
Lower School Distinctions:
In Grades K-5, students engage in enrichment classes every rotation, including Spanish, Chinese, Art, Music, Library, Science, PE, and Life Class.
All Grade K-3 teachers are trained in The Orton-Gillingham Approach, a systematic and explicit approach to teaching young students how to read.
Learning and exploration don’t end at 3pm: after school extracurricular opportunities include dance, swim, chess, Lego club, music lessons, and more.
In Grades K-8, students are assigned to a lunch table each week with a different group of students and teachers, helping to establish friendships across classes and grades.
From the Grade 2 Poetry Slam to class plays to the Grade 4 Biography Fair, students have opportunities each year to develop their confidence and public speaking skills
The majority of our teachers are trained in Responsive Classroom, a studentcentered, social and emotional learning approach to teaching and discipline.
Middle School
Self-Discovery & Independence
The Middle School years represent a significant transition from childhood to adolescence. Faculty in the Middle School strike an appropriate balance between nurture and challenge as they help students develop key social, emotional, and academic skills. As the leaders of the Red Gables Campus, students gain capacity and confidence by learning new ways to become responsible, contributing members of the community.
ACADEMICS
Middle School Distinctions:
Supplemental Instruction Period is a part of the daily schedule when students can seek extra help from teachers, gather in study groups, or participate in clubs.
Overnight class trips begin in Grade 5, offering opportunities to build relationships and gain new perspectives outside the classroom.
After school, students can participate in athletics, theater, debate, music ensembles, dance, Student Council, robotics, and other teacher-led activities.
Because of our twocampus structure, Middle School students have a valuable opportunity to serve as leaders of the K-8 program.
Life Classes promote positive relationships, personal health, study skills, and time management.
From the interdisciplinary memory project in Grade 7 to the Presidential Leadership Debates in Grade 8 History, Middle School teachers incorporate engaging, hands-on activities across the curriculum to bring learning to life
High School
Passion & Purpose
Ensworth’s High School program is designed to foster a proficiency of Core Skills combined with broad content knowledge in the major disciplines and mastery in individual areas of interest. The Harkness Method empowers students to take an active role in the learning process, honing their ability to listen in a thoughtful and respectful manner and articulate their own ideas with confidence.
High School Distinctions:
The majority of classes at the High School are taught using the Harkness method where students and faculty engage in collaborative discourse. Every student is expected to be an active participant in the discussion of ideas.
Students in Grade 12 may apply for the Capstone Program, an opportunity to engage in an extensive exploration of a passion or interest that is above and beyond classes offered at the High School.
Ensworth’s four-year college counseling model assigns Grade 9 students to a college counselor who will advise them throughout their Ensworth career and help them identify their best college fit.
Performing arts ensembles are scheduled during the academic day allowing students to have both robust arts and athletics experiences
ACADEMICS
Faculty offices encircle student common areas, creating natural opportunities for students and faculty to interact outside the classroom.
Health & Wellness is a priority; every student attends fitness class each semester throughout High School. The goal of the fitness program is to maximize every student’s physical abilities, while creating a love of a physically active lifestyle.
Students can participate in a variety of established clubs or create and lead their own. Examples include: Science Quiz Bowl, Literary Magazine, Model UN, and Robotics.
Unique class offerings such as: • Writing Rhetoric & Persuasion • Crime Scene Science • Materials Engineering • World Religions • Women’s Literature • Storm Science • Back to the Futurists • Music Video Dance • Essentials of Human Nutrition
Creativity is an essential part of any vibrant and bold endeavor. From kindergarten through twelfth grade, our students have a variety of opportunities to explore the creative process, embrace imagination, and cultivate confidence through artistic expression.
Theater
Dance
Visual Art
Music
ARTS So many opportunities to shine: • Lower School Class Plays • Middle School Drama • High School Musicals & Plays • Student-Directed One Act Plays • Technical Theater Crew • 13-year Dance Program • Middle School & High School Dance Teams • High School Dance Company • Music Video Dance Class & Dance for Athletes • Encore a Cappella & Chamber Singers • Rock Band, Jazz Band, & Chamber Orchestra • Guitar Class • Advanced Chorale • Music Theory, Production, & Technology • After School Music Lessons (K-12) • Studio Art • Ceramics • Photography • 3D Design • Portfolio Building • Student Art Shows
From daily P.E. classes in the Lower School to a High School program focused on the fitness of each individual student, Ensworth emphasizes the importance of an active lifestyle, providing a solid foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness.
Participating in athletics helps our students to grow, learn, and challenge themselves while developing sportsmanship and leadership skills. We want all of our students to experience being on an athletic team, and learn how to become great teammates. Success in athletics is a byproduct of our high expectations, consistent training, and excellent instruction.
Middle School teams compete in the Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference with the majority of our students participating in at least one of 13 team sports.
High School teams include 18 TSSAA-sanctioned sports, plus swimming & diving, ice hockey, mountain biking, cheerleading, and lacrosse.
A Winning Tradition • 7 Girls’ Basketball • 5 Boys’ Basketball • 1 Girls’ Golf • 1 Boys’ Golf • 2 Girls’ Lacrosse • 1 Boys’ Lacrosse • 2 Volleyball • 4 Football • 3 Girls’ Track & Field
ATHLETICS Team State Championships 2008–2022 Alumni Athletes Classes of 2008–2022 8 Professional Athletes (NBA & NFL) 1 Olympian Track & Field Tokyo 2021 50+ NCAA Athletes currently participating in collegiate athletics in 12 different sports
SERVICE LEARNING
Ensworth students are more than scholars, artists, and athletes; they are courageous and compassionate global citizens. Service Learning is part of our core curriculum throughout Grades K–12. As students experience the joy of impacting the world around them in meaningful ways, they develop empathy and discover their ability to make a positive difference.
Students work with more than 80 nonprofits and organizations annually. Many Lower School traditions center around service, such as the Kindergarten coin collection for Habitat for Humanity, The Grade 1 Pet Show and supply drive for Nashville Humane Association, and the Grade 4 ice skating outing with Harris Hillman, a local school serving students with disabilities.
At the High School, students engage in quarterly Service Learning Days where they spend the academic day serving local community organizations. Seniors engage in individual service projects of their choice and can elect to become Service Scholars by completing additional research and service hours. The Class of 2022 had 33 Service Scholars.
STUDENT LIFE
Ensworth is intentional in building a strong sense of community where each member feels valued, respected, and supported. Within this joyful and inclusive environment, students have the freedom to take risks, discover new interests, and explore individual passions.
Community Distinctions:
Orange and Black Competition: Orange and Black are not just Ensworth’s school colors; they are the basis of a long-standing spirited tradition that dates back to the early years of the school. Grades K–8 students are assigned to the Orange or Black team, and they participate in spirit activities throughout the year, culminating in the annual Field Day competition.
Tiger Houses: In the High School, students are assigned to one of four Tiger Houses: Morality, Truth, Vitality, and Integrity. Each house elects two senior captains, who help create activities throughout the year, leading their team during Spirit Week and building school spirit within the student body.
Class Trips & Retreats: Class trips and retreats provide opportunities outside the classroom for students to bond with fellow students and faculty members. Through exposure to new environments and activities, students expand their horizons and challenge their perspectives. These shared experiences help grade levels learn to apply their classroom lessons to real life.
Clubs & Organizations: Ensworth offers more than 40 different clubs for students. High School students also have the ability to establish new clubs with the help of a faculty sponsor.
Grounded in the philosophy of the student-centered, student-driven search for the best fit, counselors help students identify how their strengths, talents, and priorities align with each of their college options. This awareness allows graduates to emerge with confidence in their decision and excitement about their future.
Ensworth’s unique, four-year College Counseling program helps students take full advantage of the many opportunities offered to them and successfully navigate the college search process.
BEYOND ENSWORTH 120 1 4 3 1 1 69 29 77% Students in the Class of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidate National Merit Scholars National Merit Commended Scholars National Hispanic Scholar National African American Scholar Different colleges & universities Different states plus D.C. & Scotland Attending college outside Tennessee Class of 2022:
ENSWORTH BY THE NUMBERS Student Body Academics Financial Aid 1,202 Students in Grades K–12 From 45 Different Zip Codes 22% Students of Color 446 Students in Grades K–5 286 Students in Grades 6–8 470 Students in Grades 9–12 114 HS academic courses offered including 77 electives outside of the core curriculum 22 AP/Advanced Topics Classes Offered 2021-2022 Capstone Scholars: 18 15% of students receive aid; all aid given is need-based 179 Financial Aid awards representing $3.9 million
Explore
ENSWORTH
Visit us online at ensworth.com
Contact our Admission Team:
Rebekah Capps Armstrong
Director of Enrollment Management 615.301.5348 | armstrongr@ensworth.com
Caroline Sirko
Lower School Director of Admission 615.250.8934 | sirkoc@ensworth.com
Jason Maxwell
Middle School Director of Admission 615.250.8970 | maxwellj@ensworth.com
Julie Harris
High School Director of Admission 615.250.8905 | harrisj@ensworth.com
Follow us on social media:
Facebook.com/ensworthschool Twitter.com/ensworth Instagram.com/ensworthschool
One school. Two campuses. To schedule a tour: ensworth.com/visit
Red Gables Campus (Grades K–8) 211 Ensworth Ave Nashville, TN 37205 615.383.0661
Frist Campus (Grades 9–12) 7401 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221 615.301.5400