Father Ryan High School
FATHER RYAN HIGH SCHOOL ... Be Known. Be Loved. Be Inspired.
For 100 years, Father Ryan High School has been Nashville’s trusted coeducational, college preparatory high school centered in Catholic values, where students are known, loved, and inspired. We combine academic excellence with personalized learning paths to embrace every student’s full potential—spiritually, academically, and personally—to challenge and support students of all abilities.
Our Century of Distinction:
First integrated high school in Tennessee in 1954
- First athletic event in the South between an integrated team (Father Ryan) and an all-Black team (Pearl High) in historic 1965 basketball game
- Tennessee's flagship Diocesan school with faith and Catholic values at the center of all we do and welcoming to ALL faiths
- Nation's first school to receive dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools
- Nashville’s only private high school offering four personalized academic learning paths
- Nashville’s largest private high school with boundless resources and facilities to explore every interest
- World's largest student-led Relay For Life, raising $2 million+ for the American Cancer Society
How We Know, Love, and Inspire Every Student:
- 200+ courses including High Honors and 28 AP classes
- Nine Dual Enrollment, college-credit courses taught by our master teachers in partnership with Trevecca Nazarene University
- 31 average ACT scored by top 10% of Class of 2025
- Competitive Hayes Scholars Program for top-achievers with 96.7 average GPA for Hayes Scholars
- 35 visual and performing arts courses, the most of any private high school in Middle Tennessee
- Study Abroad, Exchange Programs, and STEAM Lab courses
- Tailored Educational Support Programs to support students with learning differences
- Nationally recognized House System creating small, family-like Mentor Groups, 210 leadership opportunities, 100+ annual
- House events, meaningful service, and spiritual development
- 38 sports teams, access to robust Sports Medicine Athletic Training Staff, nutrition resources for student-athletes, and online portal for support through the college athletic recruitment process
- 40+ clubs and 100s of leadership positions
- 40,000+ annual hours of community service completed by student body
- 14,800+ alumni serving Nashville and the world with passion and purpose
- 100% admittance rate to colleges and universities
Visit Opportunities (for prospective students/families):
- Shadow Visits: Resume January 12, 2026, through February 27, 2026 (requires inquiry form).
- Parent Coffees/Tours: Resume January 8, 2026 (Thursdays at 10 a.m.).
- Spring Preview: April 14, 2026 (for 4th-7th grade parents).
Visit fatherryan.org/viewbook to learn more.
