12 South is more than a neighborhood — it's a statement about how you want to live. The families who've chosen this vibrant, walkable corridor value creativity, community, and a certain willingness to do things differently. From the locally owned shops along 12th Avenue South to the murals that have become Nashville landmarks, 12 South attracts people who appreciate authenticity over convention.
So when it comes to your child's education, why settle for conventional? Templeton Academy offers 12 South families a private school experience that's as forward-thinking as the neighborhood they call home — a place where project-based learning, creative expression, and real-world engagement replace lectures, worksheets, and standardized testing as the primary drivers of academic growth.
A Short Commute, A Big Difference
Templeton's downtown Nashville campus is a quick, easy commute from the 12 South area. Families traveling via 12th Avenue South to Broadway or through the Gulch corridor can reach campus in approximately 10–15 minutes. For parents who work downtown, in the medical center area, or at nearby Belmont University or Vanderbilt, Templeton sits right along your daily route.
The commute is short — but the difference in educational philosophy is significant. While 12 South is surrounded by excellent neighborhood schools, most operate within traditional models that may not be the right fit for every learner. Templeton offers something fundamentally different: an education built around creativity, purpose, and genuine engagement with the world.
Creative Community, Creative School
The creative energy that defines 12 South runs deep in Templeton's DNA. Many Templeton families come from Nashville's creative and entrepreneurial communities — parents who work in music management, video production, design, and the arts. They chose Templeton because our project-based learning approach reflects how they work and think: collaboratively, creatively, and with a focus on producing real things that matter.
At Templeton, creativity isn't limited to art class. It's embedded in how students learn every subject through our three-pillar approach:
- Core Advisory ("Find Your Why"): Students explore their gifts, clarify their values, and develop self-awareness through meaningful mentoring relationships with faculty advisors.
- Project-Based Learning ("Meaningful Exploration"): Two-hour learning blocks give students time to dive deep into collaborative research, design challenges, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and student-led initiatives.
- Fieldwork ("The City as Your Classroom"): Students step out of the classroom weekly to engage with Nashville's cultural institutions, from recording studios and the Ryman Auditorium to the State Capitol and Shelby Park.
For 12 South families who value creative thinking, self-expression, and an entrepreneurial mindset, this approach feels like home.
Access to Belmont Area Resources
12 South's proximity to Belmont University and the broader Belmont-Hillsboro community creates natural connections that benefit Templeton families. Many Templeton parents are affiliated with Belmont or work in the creative industries clustered in this part of Nashville. The campus's downtown location places it at the intersection of Nashville's major cultural, educational, and professional corridors — giving students access to internship opportunities, community partnerships, and Fieldwork experiences that draw on the full richness of the city.
Progressive Education for a Progressive Neighborhood
12 South families tend to be independent thinkers who question the status quo — and they want an education that teaches their children to do the same. Templeton was built on that premise. Here's what sets our approach apart from traditional Nashville private schools:
- Mastery over memorization. Students progress when they demonstrate genuine understanding, not when the calendar says it's time. This means deeper learning and fewer gaps in knowledge.
- Student voice and choice. Students have real input into their projects, research directions, and how they demonstrate learning — building the agency and self-direction that progressive families value.
- Small, intentional community. With an average class size of just 10 students, every child is known and supported. Teachers aren't just instructors — they're mentors who understand each student's strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
- Arts integration throughout the curriculum. Drama, visual arts, photography, film, and music are woven into academic life — not treated as add-ons. Student-initiated clubs like Theater Club and Film Club provide additional creative outlets.
- Assessment through authentic work. Rather than letter grades and standardized tests as the primary measure, students build portfolios and present their learning at quarterly exhibitions — developing the communication and critical thinking skills that matter in college and career.
And the results are clear: 95% of Templeton graduates are accepted to their college of choice. Progressive education and academic excellence aren't opposites — at Templeton, they reinforce each other.
What 12 South Families Should Know
- Grades served: 5–12 (middle school and high school)
- Average class size: 10 students
- Daily schedule: Two extended learning blocks + Core Advisory + Flex period
- Financial aid: Need-based aid available through Clarity; applying does not affect admissions
- Athletics: TSSAA athletic program with competitive sports opportunities
- College placement: 95% acceptance rate to students' colleges of choice
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Templeton compare to schools closer to 12 South like Christ Presbyterian Academy or Belmont Academy?
Each school has its own strengths. Templeton differentiates through its project-based learning model, average class size of 10, and the integration of Nashville Fieldwork experiences directly into the curriculum. Our mastery-based approach and Core Advisory program also distinguish us from more traditionally structured schools. We encourage families to visit and compare.
Is Templeton a good fit for students with creative interests?
Absolutely. Arts integration across the curriculum, student-driven clubs, quarterly exhibitions, and a Fieldwork program that connects students with Nashville's creative industries make Templeton especially strong for creative learners. That said, our approach benefits any student who learns best through doing, whether their interests lean toward science, writing, technology, or the arts.
Does Templeton accept students mid-year?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after the January 15 priority deadline. Contact our admissions team to discuss your family's timeline and learn about current availability.
Connect with the Templeton Community
We invite 12 South families to schedule a campus tour and experience Templeton's approach firsthand. See the project-based learning model in action, meet faculty and current families, and discover why Nashville's most creative neighborhoods are choosing Templeton.
Contact us at (615) 601-0893 to learn more.
Now enrolling grades 5–12.