Students are seated in the order they apply until all seats are filled. Once a grade is full, later applicants join the waitlist until a seat becomes available.
a tuition-free classical charter school near Nashville
AN AMERICAN CLASSICAL EDUCATION
A tuition-free classical charter school in La Vergne, about twenty minutes from Nashville. Authorized by Rutherford County Schools and taught in partnership with Hillsdale College, serving kindergarten through 7th grade.
Now accepting applications for 2026-27
our mission & vision
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 effectively engage with the great thinkers and conversation of the Western Tradition.
A Well-Rounded Course of Study
At ACAR, knowledgeable, compassionate and wonderful teachers use traditional teaching methods to instruct students and foster moral integrity, decorum, respect, discipline, and a commitment to thoughtful inquiry, reason and imagination.
Content-Rich
Our curriculum provides a solid foundation of core knowledge and exploration of Western Civilization.
Tuition-Free
We provide a tuition-free education for all students in Rutherford County, TN.
HILLSDALE K-12 CURRICULUM
Our Classical Curriculum
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. It has been thoughtfully chosen to cater to the diverse needs of all our students. The following elements are at the heart of our curriculum:
- A Well-Rounded Course of Study
- Rooted in Human Nature
- Moral Formation
Our Location
American Classical Academy Rutherford is located at 2 Ingram Blvd, La Vergne, TN in the old Ingram office building. Our refurbished location offers a vibrant and versatile learning environment. The campus will be designed to include specialized facilities to meet the school’s growing needs. Rutherford’s campus will ultimately serve students from kindergarten through high school.
What makes American Classical Academy Rutherford unique?
Come see a classical education in action.
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!