Our Approach

Classical Education

At GWA, classical education is about more than studying the past. It gives students a strong foundation of knowledge and teaches them how to think, reason, communicate, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Our curriculum is rich in literature, history, science, mathematics, language, and the arts. As students grow, their education grows with them—moving from building foundational knowledge to examining ideas, asking meaningful questions, and expressing their own thinking with confidence.

The Classical Journey

PRE-K–5TH

Building Strong Foundations

In the early years, students build the knowledge and skills that make future learning possible. Clear, structured instruction develops strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and language while cultivating curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
6TH–8TH

Learning to Think & Reason

As students enter junior high, they begin to wrestle with bigger ideas. Discussion, questioning, logic, literature, history, mathematics, science, and Latin help students learn to analyze information, recognize sound reasoning, consider different perspectives, and articulate their thinking.
9TH–12TH

Finding Their Voice

In the upper grades, students learn to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Seminar-style discussion, rhetoric, advanced study, and thoughtful engagement with complex ideas prepare students to become independent thinkers, effective communicators, and capable young adults.

What Students Learn

Our curriculum is intentionally content-rich and carefully sequenced so that knowledge builds year after year.

Reading & Language

Strong phonics, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and writing provide the foundation for learning across every subject.

Mathematics & Science

Students develop mathematical fluency, scientific knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to reason through increasingly complex concepts.

History & Literature

Great stories, significant events, and enduring ideas help students understand the world, consider different perspectives, and connect learning across disciplines.

Latin, Logic & Rhetoric

As students progress, these classical disciplines strengthen language, reasoning, and communication—helping students learn not simply what to think, but how to think well.

The Arts

Music and visual arts encourage creativity, expression, appreciation, and an understanding that a well-rounded education develops the whole child.

Knowledge. Curiosity. Character.

We want students to leave GWA with more than strong academic skills. We want them to be curious learners, thoughtful citizens, clear communicators, and people of character.

Our classrooms balance structure with joy, high expectations with encouragement, and academic rigor with the understanding that children need opportunities to wonder, create, discuss, explore, and enjoy learning.

What we offer at George Washington Academy

Classical School Near Nashville TN

Direct Instruction at George Washington Academy

At George Washington Academy, we believe every child deserves a strong academic foundation. That’s why we use Direct Instruction (DI) in our elementary grades. DI is a proven, research-based teaching method that provides clear, structured lessons in reading, writing, and math.

In a DI classroom:

  • Teachers guide students step by step, ensuring concepts are taught to mastery before moving forward.
  • Lessons are highly interactive, with frequent practice and feedback to keep students engaged and successful.
  • Students progress with confidence, building strong skills that prepare them for the rigor of our classical education in middle and high school.

Direct Instruction gives our students the tools to excel, creating a learning environment where no child is left behind and every child is challenged to reach their full potential.

Classical Curriculum

Our classical liberal arts focus immerses students in the richness of history and the timeless wisdom of great books. With a content-rich curriculum thoughtfully balanced across math, science, literature, and history, we cultivate well-rounded scholars who develop a deep appreciation for knowledge and critical thinking.
Private School Nashville TN
Best Classical School Nashville TN

Arts Focused

The fine and performing arts will be a part of the experience for our students. Education that fosters creativity and problem-solving is crucial to one’s ability to be successful in the world.

We will offer a list of creative course offerings; which include visual arts, theatre, music performance, digital arts, photography, architecture.

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