JMS is an affordable, high-quality private middle school that combines academic excellence with a values-based curriculum. We’re proud to be the only Jewish middle school in Middle Tennessee – and equally proud to welcome students of all faith backgrounds into our inclusive and supportive learning community. JMS empowers students to grow intellectually, ethically, and emotionally within a close-knit environment.

We’re located within the beautiful setting of the West End Synagogue, just beside the historic Richland-West End neighborhood. Our setting offers our middle school students accessibility to the abundant learning opportunities in Nashville, all while being part of a vibrant, community-oriented environment.

At JMS, students engage in a rigorous, project-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. Our small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio) allow for individualized attention, and our faculty are deeply committed to helping each student grow. Our curriculum includes strong programs in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Jewish Studies, and the Arts.

Our Jewish Studies program, Neshama La’Am, immerses students in the core narratives and big ideas of classical Jewish literature and living. Students develop the literacy to engage with Tanakh and Torah She’be’al Peh and explore Jewish ethics, values, and traditions. A parallel track, A Soulful World, offers a broader exploration of global religious and philosophical traditions, fostering empathy and respectful dialogue.

JMS is a pluralistic and welcoming community where students of all backgrounds are fully embraced. While Jewish students engage in traditional Jewish learning, students from other faith backgrounds explore universal values and ethical inquiry. Our goal is to make spiritual and moral education meaningful and accessible to everyone.

JMS graduates are confident, intellectually curious, and well-prepared for a wide range of high schools in Nashville and beyond. Many of our graduates matriculate into our partner institution, Kehilla High School, which builds on the strong academic and values-based foundation established at JMS. Additionally, our alumni have gone on to attend schools such as Montgomery Bell Academy, University School of Nashville, Brentwood Academy, Nashville School of the Arts, and more. Our curriculum fosters academic excellence, emotional maturity, and leadership skills that serve students well in high school and life.

The process to apply to JMS includes an application form, transcript release or homeschool portfolio, a letter of recommendation from a current teacher, a family tour and meeting, and a student visit. JMS has a rolling admissions process, with a priority deadline of March 1. Applications are accepted year-round on a space-available basis.

JMS offers a variety of after-school activities, including Ultimate Frisbee, Running Team, and Drama Club. Students also participate in Varsity and Junior Varsity sports such as basketball, cross country, golf, and ice skating. Our athletics program emphasizes teamwork, character, and inclusion.

The arts and physical education are essential parts of the JMS experience. Students explore music, painting, drama, and more, culminating in an annual Arts Festival that celebrates creativity across the curriculum. Physical education is offered 2–3 times per week and includes strength training, team sports, and fitness activities that promote health, discipline, and teamwork.

Tuition for the 2025–2026 school year is $13,500. We are committed to making a JMS education accessible to every student. Our robust scholarship and financial assistance program uses the Clarity Application to assess need. The application is quick, mobile-friendly, and available in English and Spanish.

JMS is proud to support families who choose alternative educational paths. We welcome part-time students who wish to enroll in one or more subjects while continuing their broader education at home or elsewhere. Our flexible, inclusive approach allows students to benefit from the JMS community while maintaining the learning model that works best for them.

Yes. JMS participates in the Tennessee Educational Savings Account (ESA) program. Eligible families can use ESA funds to attend our school. Families must apply separately to both ESA and JMS.

A: Becky Gunn is here to support applicants with questions about financial assistance or ESA. You can reach her at becky@jewishnashville.org.