St. Cecilia Academy Photo #1 - Situated on 83 acres in the heart of West Nashville, St. Cecilia Academy is one of the only high schools in Tennessee to offer a Philosophy course. Based on classical teachings and methods, students explore the dignity of the human person, ethics, and bio-ethics, and conclude with the Philosophy Seminar.

St. Cecilia Academy

As Nashville's oldest private school, St. Cecilia Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory school serving girls in grades 7 through 12.
Since 1860, St. Cecilia has been providing a premier education for young women who have used their feminine genius to influence and shape their communities and the world as confident leaders.
The school offers a rigorous, award-winning, liberal arts academic program beginning in the 7th grade that teaches students how to think critically and navigate our complex modern world.
The St. Cecilia student has access to the arts, athletics, clubs, dance, debate, music, robotics, service, STEM, theater, travel, and more.
The dedicated faculty knows students by name, providing individual attention and helping each student to discover the woman God made her to be.
St. Cecilia is unique, rooted in a vibrant Christ-centered environment marked by a nurturing community spirit.
We invite you to learn more about St. Cecilia Academy and to visit our campus community.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 272 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $22,800
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Cecilia Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Support is available to help students with mild learning differences and those designated as high achieving. These students find success at St. Cecilia Academy.
Year Founded
1860
Colors
White, Red
School Calendar
Campus Size
83 acres

Student Body

Total Students
272 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
St. Cecilia Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition assistance available and family discount.
Admissions Director
Anne Michelle Millican
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
34 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
A Variety of Clubs and Organizations Are OfferedAmbassador Board
Baking ClubBook Club
Chess ClubCrochet Club
Culture of Belonging ClubDance Club - Seasons Dance Company
Finance ClubForensics
French ClubLatin Club
Math Team ClubMinds in Motion Club
Mock TrialModel UN
Mu Alpha ThetaNational Art Honor Society
National Honor SocietyNational World Languages Honor Societies
Pep ClubPhilosophy Club
Robotics TeamService Club
Sodality ClubSpanish Club
Speech and Debate TeamStudent Council
Theater GuildWriting Club
Youth Legislature


Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber EnsembleChoir
Private Music and Voice Lessons Available

School Notes

  • School Motto: Faith in Young Women
  • School Mascot: Scarabs
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Cecilia Academy cost?
St. Cecilia Academy's tuition is approximately $22,800 for private students.
What sports does St. Cecilia Academy offer?
St. Cecilia Academy offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Cecilia Academy's ranking?
St. Cecilia Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for: Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Cecilia Academy?
The application deadline for St. Cecilia Academy is Feb. 1.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
SCA played an integral role in shaping who I am today. The loving atmosphere allowed me to be true to myself; the wonderful teachers (many have doctorates!) prepared me well for college at UVA; and the friends I made there remain with me today. I would highly recommend SCA to any ambitious, compassionate, smart young lady looking for a great high school experience. Because of the size and intimacy of the school, I was able to participate in many extracurricular activities, like softball and student government.
- Posted by
5  
I am an SCA graduate from 2001 - I can honestly say, the years I spent at St. Cecilia remain some of the most important, formative, meaningful and FUN of my life. Currently, I live in Washington, DC working for the Girl Scouts of the USA. Previously, I was a top aide for 2 U.S. Senators and a Governor, after attending Wake Forest University on a Presidential Scholarship. Nearly every one of my career and personal achievements I can attribute to the unbelievable education and self confidence I gained at SCA. The nurturing environment was a safe place to succeed, and fail. The sisters were remarkable examples of not only faith and love, but of strong, smart, independent career women. (Did you know they go back to school almost every summer getting multiple master's degrees? Yeah, some are those girls with PHD's in science everyone keeps saying we need more of. cool). One last story about my lasting friendships gained at SCA - last month, I went to FL for a girls weekend with my 5 best friends from SCA. For over 11 years, we've found a way to connect one weekend a year - away from work, husbands, and stress - to just be silly and be together. And be St. Cecilia girls again.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 272 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $22,800
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Nashville, TN is $19,072 for elementary schools and $23,993 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Nashville, TN is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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