A Tuition-Free Public Charter School · Rutherford County, Tennessee
An American Classical Education
American Classical Academy Rutherford, in partnership with Hillsdale College, provides a tuition-free classical liberal arts education to students in grades K–7. We add a grade each year until K–12 is served.
Now Accepting Applications for 2026-27
Aiming for the good, true, and beautiful
The mission of American Classical Academy Rutherford is to train the minds and develop character in students through a content-rich classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, utilizing instruction in the principles of moral practices and civic virtue. We aim to cultivate student longing for what is Good, True, and Beautiful.
We prioritize explicit phonics, grammar, writing, the Western classical literary and philosophical canon, primary resources, math, science, history, Latin, music, art and various other content areas, in a manner that seeks to enable students to engage with the great thinkers and conversation of the Western tradition.
A Well-Rounded Course of Study
What this school is built on
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Content-Rich
Our curriculum provides a solid foundation of core knowledge and exploration of Western Civilization.
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Character Formation
Alongside knowledge, students practice the virtues in the ordinary business of a school day.
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Teacher-Led Classrooms
A knowledgeable adult leads the learning — not a screen, and not a child left to discover it alone.
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Socratic Dialogue
Much of the day is a guided conversation: a real question, a real answer, and another question.
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Tuition-Free
We provide a tuition-free education for all students in Rutherford County, TN.
Watch
Who is American Classical Academy Rutherford?
Our Classical Curriculum
In partnership with Hillsdale College
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on language, content-rich subjects, a solid foundation of core knowledge, and an in-depth exploration of the historical, literary, and scientific legacies of both the United States and Western civilization.
- A Well-Rounded Course of Study
- Rooted in Human Nature
- Moral Formation
Our Location
2 Ingram Blvd, La Vergne, TN 37086
Our refurbished location in the old Ingram office building offers a vibrant and versatile learning environment. The campus will be designed to include specialized facilities to meet the school’s growing needs, and will ultimately serve students from kindergarten through high school.
What’s Coming Up
The next few dates on the school calendar
Come and See
What makes American Classical Academy Rutherford unique?
Come see a classical education in action.
Enroll Today
Give your child a classical education
Tuition-free, K–7, in Rutherford County. No cost and no entrance exam — enrollment is by application.
What ACAR families say
Our children are thriving at ACAR! They love their teachers and administrators. They are achieving academic success we didn't think was possible two years ago. The school challenges them academically, and teaches morals and virtues that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. 100% recommend!
American Classical Academy Rutherford pushes kids academically. They teach kids to think for themselves, not just memorize the correct answer for a test. Your kids will receive a well rounded classical education while also focusing on virtues.
My family loves everything about ACAR by far one of the best schools in Rutherford County
This is undoubtedly the best school in Rutherford County!