Ask St. Cecilia Academy

Question 1

What is St. Cecilia Academy?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy is an independent, Catholic, all-girls school for young women in grades 7 to 12 in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1860 and rooted in the charism of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, its mission is forming young women into virtuous leaders.

Question 2

Where is St. Cecilia Academy located?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy is at 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205. You can reach the school at (615) 298-4525.

Question 3

When was St. Cecilia Academy founded?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy was founded in 1860, giving it more than a century and a half of educating young women in Nashville.

Question 4

Is St. Cecilia an all-girls school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia Academy is an independent Catholic school for young women, serving girls in grades 7 to 12.

Question 5

What grades does St. Cecilia serve?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy serves young women in grades 7 through 12, across its Junior High and High School divisions.

Question 6

Who are the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia are the religious congregation whose charism of truth, prayer and community shapes the school, what St. Cecilia calls the Dominican Difference.

Question 7

What is St. Cecilia's mission or motto?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy forms young women into virtuous leaders, guided by Wisdom, Grace and Excellence and the conviction that knowing the love of Jesus is the secret to lasting joy.

Question 8

Why is the school named St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

The school is named for St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, which is reflected in its strong and long-standing commitment to the fine arts.

Question 9

Is St. Cecilia Academy accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia Academy is accredited by Cognia and is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS). It is also Newman Guide Recommended.

Question 10

What is the Scarab?

Accepted Answer

The Scarab is St. Cecilia Academy's mascot, worn with pride across athletics, traditions and school spirit.

Question 11

What is the Dominican Difference?

Accepted Answer

The Dominican Difference is how St. Cecilia lives the charism of the Dominican Sisters: a pursuit of truth, a life of prayer and virtue, and a close community that forms the whole young woman.

Question 12

What does Wisdom, Grace and Excellence mean?

Accepted Answer

Wisdom, Grace and Excellence are St. Cecilia's core values, its Women with Purpose framework. Wisdom is the pursuit of truth through rigorous learning, Grace is growth in faith and virtue, and Excellence is striving to give one's best in all things.

Question 13

What makes St. Cecilia Academy distinctive?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia pairs a rigorous, college-preparatory education with a vibrant Catholic, Dominican life, an all-girls community, a renowned fine-arts tradition, and athletics designed for young women, all forming virtuous leaders.

Question 14

What academics does St. Cecilia offer?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia offers a rigorous, college-preparatory program with honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, independent study in STEM and other disciplines for qualified students, a Junior Research Symposium, and dedicated college counseling.

Question 15

Does St. Cecilia offer AP and honors courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia offers honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across the curriculum, along with independent study for qualified students.

Question 16

What is the Junior Research Symposium?

Accepted Answer

The Junior Research Symposium is a St. Cecilia program in which students pursue and present independent research, developing their skills in inquiry and scholarship.

Question 17

Does St. Cecilia offer college counseling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia provides dedicated College Counseling to guide each young woman through the college search, application and decision process.

Question 18

Does St. Cecilia offer STEM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside its sciences, St. Cecilia offers independent study in STEM for qualified students, encouraging young women in science, technology, engineering and math.

Question 19

What are the arts programs at St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

As a school named for the patron saint of music, St. Cecilia offers a rich fine-arts program in music, voice, dance, theater and visual arts, both in class and after school.

Question 20

Is fine arts required at St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students in grades 7 to 9 take fine arts each year as part of the core curriculum, and high school students complete a second fine-arts credit between their sophomore and senior years.

Question 21

What is the St. Cecilia Dance Academy?

Accepted Answer

The St. Cecilia Dance Academy is an affiliated program offering dance training and performance, part of the school's deep commitment to the arts.

Question 22

What is the Music Conservatory and The Harp School?

Accepted Answer

The St. Cecilia Music Conservatory and The Harp School are affiliated programs offering instrumental and vocal training, including harp, reflecting the school's musical heritage.

Question 23

What athletics does St. Cecilia offer?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia's athletics programs begin in 7th grade and are designed for young women. Teams compete as the Scarabs, with performance and wellness support, a Fan Zone and a Booster Club.

Question 24

When can students start athletics?

Accepted Answer

Athletics at St. Cecilia begin in 7th grade, so students can take part from the moment they join the school.

Question 25

What is student life like at St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

Student life is a real sisterhood, with advisories, team-building, the Art of Living program, clubs, and beloved traditions that bring the community together.

Question 26

What traditions does St. Cecilia have?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia is known for spirited traditions, from the Powderpuff game to class and school-wide events, that build friendship and school spirit year after year.

Question 27

What is faith life like at St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

Faith is at the heart of St. Cecilia: Scripture-based religion classes, Mass, Adoration, overnight retreats, small-group and chapel prayer, service work and mission trips.

Question 28

Does St. Cecilia offer service and mission trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through its Faith and Service program, students take part in service work and mission trips, living out the call to serve others.

Question 29

Is St. Cecilia a Catholic school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia Academy is an independent Catholic school, rooted in the Dominican tradition, that warmly forms each student in faith while educating the whole person.

Question 30

What is the Art of Living?

Accepted Answer

The Art of Living is St. Cecilia's formation program, helping young women grow in virtue, character and the habits that lead to a flourishing, purposeful life.

Question 31

How do I apply to St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

You can inquire, schedule a visit and apply through the Admissions section at stcecilia.edu. You can also leave your name and email here and the admissions team will follow up.

Question 32

What is the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia's admissions process begins with an inquiry, followed by a visit and an application. The Why St. Cecilia, Visit and Apply pages at stcecilia.edu walk you through each step.

Question 33

How much is tuition at St. Cecilia?

Accepted Answer

Tuition isn't listed here, and St. Cecilia is committed to accessibility. Please see the Tuition and Accessibility page at stcecilia.edu or contact the admissions team for current tuition and assistance options.

Question 34

Is financial aid or assistance available?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia is committed to accessibility, and information about tuition assistance is on the Tuition and Accessibility page at stcecilia.edu. The admissions team is glad to help you explore options.

Question 35

Can my daughter join St. Cecilia from a Catholic elementary school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Cecilia welcomes students into grade 7 and beyond, including from Overbrook School and other elementary schools on and beyond the Dominican Campus. The admissions team can discuss the right entry point.

Question 36

How do I visit St. Cecilia Academy?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule a visit through the Admissions section at stcecilia.edu to tour the campus at 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, and experience the community firsthand.

Question 37

How do I contact St. Cecilia Academy?

Accepted Answer

You can call St. Cecilia Academy at (615) 298-4525 or visit stcecilia.edu. You can also leave your name and email here and the team will follow up.

Question 38

Where can I follow St. Cecilia Academy?

Accepted Answer

St. Cecilia Academy is on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Links are at stcecilia.edu.

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