If you’re new to Franklin, Tennessee, or considering a switch from public to private education, finding the right school for your child is crucial. With a mix of academic excellence, Christian values, and close-knit communities, Franklin has several great private school options that cater to a variety of needs.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at four of the top private schools located in Franklin:
Each school has its own unique strengths, making it important to consider what works best for your child and family.
Arguably the most well-known private school in Franklin, Battle Ground Academy (BGA) is a co-educational institution offering education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1889, the school takes its name from its original location near the Battle of Franklin in the American Civil War.
BGA is renowned for its academic excellence and strong sense of community. According to Niche.com, BGA ranks as the #1 Best Private High School in Williamson County and the 13th Best in Tennessee. With an A+ overall rating and high marks in academics and extracurricular activities, BGA provides an enriching environment for students.
Battle Ground Academy boasts a student body of 955, making it the largest private school in Franklin. It is also the most expensive, with tuition for the highest grade reaching $29,450 per year. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including arts, drama, and various sports. Many BGA graduates go on to attend prestigious universities like Vanderbilt, the University of Tennessee (UT), and Belmont.
The school operates across two campuses: the Harpeth Campus for lower grades (K-4), located near downtown Franklin, and the Glen Echo Campus for grades 5-12, located closer to Cool Springs. This dual-campus setup is something to keep in mind for families with children spanning both locations.
For families seeking a more intimate setting rooted in Christian values, Franklin Classical School offers a co-educational K-12 education with an emphasis on academic and spiritual growth. With only 196 students, it is the smallest private high school in Franklin, providing a close-knit and personalized environment.
Originally founded as a homeschool co-op in 1993, Franklin Classical has since expanded into a traditional school. Located on Church Street in downtown Franklin, the school offers a biblically-centered curriculum aimed at preparing students both academically and spiritually.
Franklin Classical School is ranked the 4th best private high school in Williamson County and holds an overall A- rating on Niche.com, with particular strength in academics. Tuition for the highest grade is $8,010 per year, making it one of the more affordable options in the area.
The school’s mission is to develop students who are well-prepared academically and grounded spiritually, fostering both intellectual and personal growth.
Grace Christian Academy is a private Christian school located on the west side of Franklin. The school opened its doors in 2009 with just 68 students but has since grown to a student body of 769 students in Pre-K through 12th grade. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, Grace Christian Academy emphasizes a community that is distinctly Christian and academically excellent.
According to Niche.com, the school has a B- overall rating, with strengths in academics, college prep, and athletics. While the school focuses on providing a balanced Christian education, some areas such as diversity and facilities receive lower marks.
Tuition at Grace Christian Academy is $13,385 for the highest grade. The school’s mission is to partner with Christian families, providing a community that is service- and mission-oriented, with a biblically saturated curriculum.
Franklin Christian Academy, located near downtown Franklin, offers education for students in grades 5-12. Opened in 2013, the school is designed to foster a home-like atmosphere that promotes transparency, nature, and learning. A second phase of development was completed in 2022, adding 30,000 square feet to the campus.
Franklin Christian Academy has a student body of 380 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. The school’s mission is centered around providing challenging academics, a life-giving community, and transformative discipleship. It is ranked as the 5th best private high school in Williamson County with an overall rating of B+ on Niche.com.
Tuition is $17,080 for the highest grade, making it comparable to Grace Christian Academy in terms of cost. The school emphasizes creating a warm, close-knit learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Choosing the right private school in Franklin comes down to your priorities—whether it’s academic excellence, a smaller community, Christian values, or a home-like learning environment.
•Battle Ground Academy stands out for its size, academic prestige, and wide range of extracurricular activities.
•Franklin Classical School offers a more intimate, Christian-based education with a strong focus on both academic and spiritual development.
•Grace Christian Academy provides a balance between Christian values, academics, and athletics with a medium-sized student body.
•Franklin Christian Academy offers a warm, community-focused environment that feels like home, with strong academics and a focus on discipleship.
To make the best decision for your family, it’s always a good idea to visit the campuses, meet the staff, and get a feel for each school’s culture. Each school offers something unique, and the right fit will depend on your child’s needs and your family’s values.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below—I’m always happy to help!
