Memphis University School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

6191 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119

Memphis University School Photo #1 - Founded in 1893, Memphis University School provides an exceptional education for boys in grades 7-12.

Memphis University School Photo #2 - MUS has a thriving performing and visual arts program. We stage both fall and spring theater productions in Hyde Chapel, offer winter and spring musical concerts performed by our Orchestra, Studio Band, Jazz Band, and the a cappella group Beg to Differ, and host a resident visual artist on campus for a week every fall.

Memphis University School Photo #3 - Enthusiastic teachers and a supportive classroom environment keep boys engaged in learning.

Memphis University School Photo #4 - Technology is utilized appropriately throughout the curriculum to ensure boys have the 21st century skills they need to enjoy success in whatever career path they choose.

Memphis University School Photo #5 - The school community supports our 14 Upper School sports and 12 Lower School sports. We have won 63 state sports championships since 1958. More important, our athletics program is an extension of the classroom, providing opportunities for students to develop character and work together as members of a team. Go, Owls!

Memphis University School Photo #6 - Lower School students proudly display the sculptures they created in art class.

Memphis University School Photo #7 - A tradition of excellence remains vigorous here due to the commitment of the entire community - especially students. We encourage boys to strive for excellence because that allows them to find meaning in what they do, to play a role in something greater than themselves, and to discover a sense of competence and confidence in themselves and in their abilities.

Memphis University School Photo #8 - More than 100 Owls got up early on an October weekend morning to package and distribute food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our student-run Civic Service Organization served 30 local nonprofits last year.

Memphis University School Photo #9 - Students man water-balloon slingshots during X-Games, fun activities organized in fall 2020. Our 94-acre wooded campus offers boys plenty of spaces to enjoy the outdoors, play, and practice sports.

Memphis University School Photo #10 - The MUS Drumline is a popular addition to our spirited school community and our Friday night football games.

Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school's Christian tradition.

An MUS education is characterized by an engaging curriculum, a lively exchange of ideas, supportive teaching, integrated technology, and adherence to an honor code.

For more than 100 years, we have provided Mid-South boys with unparalleled opportunities to develop intellectually, morally, socially, artistically, and physically, becoming leaders well-equipped to turn great ideas into action.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked TN School
Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 665 students
Yearly Tuition: $21,960
Acceptance rate: 90%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 10 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Memphis University School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)
Southern Association of Independent Schools

Religious Affiliation

Other

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Year Founded

1893

Colors

Crimson, Yale Blue

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Campus Size

94 acres

Student Body

Total Students

665 students

Student Body Type

All-boys

% Students of Color

State avg.: 20%

Students by Grade

Memphis University School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

90 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

70%

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

21 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

AP Art HistoryAP Biology

AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BC

AP ChemistryAP Computer Science

AP English LanguageAP English Literature

AP Environmental ScienceAP European History

AP French Language & CultureAP Latin

AP Music TheoryAP Physics 1

AP Spanish LanguageAP Spanish Literature

AP StatisticsAP U.S. History

AP United States Government & PoliticsBiology II: Molecular Biology

Chemistry II: Materials ScienceEconomics: Finance & Theory

Economics: ManagementGeology

History of BritainHistory of the American South

Latin I - VPhysics C - E&M

Physics C - MPhysics II: Robotics

Recording Arts - Engineering & Performing

Show More (15)Hide

Average SAT score

1341

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Dec. 10 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$21,960

View national tuition avg.

Summer Program Cost Notes

Camp costs vary. Registration opens mid-March.

% on Financial Aid

34%

Acceptance Rate

90%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Buck Towner

Admissions Associate

Emily Bailey

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$50 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

14 sports

Sports

Track and FieldWrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

22 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubCivic Service Organization

Ducks UnlimitedEnvironmental Club

Future Business Leaders of AmericaHunters for the Hungry

Justice LeagueLatin Convention

Mock TrialModel U.N.

Newspaper StaffPeer Tutoring

Quiz Bowl TeamYearbook Staff

YMCA Youth Legislature

Arts and Music Programs:

A Cappella ChoirDrumline

Jazz BandLiterary Magazine

OrchestraStudio Band

Theater

School Notes

School Motto: Veritas Honorque (Truth and Honor)
School Mascot: Owls

Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school`s Christian tradition.
An MUS education is characterized by a rigorous curriculum, a lively exchange of ideas, supportive teaching, and adherence to an honor code.
With more than 100 years of experience, we know how to provide the support, structure, and challenge boys need to thrive. Young men who join the MUS family get a world-class education and join a lifelong network of successful alumni.
Please visit our Admissions page for more info!https://www.musowls.org/page/admissions

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Memphis University School cost?

Memphis University School's tuition is approximately $21,960 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Memphis University School?

The acceptance rate of Memphis University School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 83%.

Does Memphis University School offer a summer program?

Yes, Memphis University School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Memphis University School offer?

Memphis University School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Marksmanship, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Wrestling.

What is Memphis University School's ranking?

Memphis University School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Memphis University School?

The application deadline for Memphis University School is Dec. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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