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Upcoming Event

Christmas Break (all locations closed)
Dec 23

Christmas Break (all locations closed)

December 23, 2024 - December 25, 2024

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A Snapshot of Harding Academy

Welcome to Harding Academy! We are a Christian school serving children ages 6 weeks–grade 12 in the heart of east Memphis. We are focused on academic growth and spiritual development, preparing our graduates for college and beyond.

Our Mission: We teach students to love others as Christ loves them, to think creatively and learn with open minds, and to live courageously to the glory of God.

School Hours

8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.Little Harding & Lower School (6 weeks–Grade 5)
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Middle & Upper School (Grades 6–12)

Classroom Data

GradesClass AveragesMax Class SizeFaculty to Student Ratio
Infants661:3
Toddlers10121:5
Two Year Olds10141:6
Three Year Olds15161:7
Jr. K16181:8
K–217181:9
3–518221:9
6–1217Range 5-281:7

  • Accreditation

    • Cognia [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools] (since 1960)
    • National Christian School Association (since 2011)

  • Athletics

    Our deep hope for students is to move to deeper faith, through education-based athletics, under the leadership of discipleship-driven coaches, for the glory of God and the good of Memphis.

    Harding Academy is a member of TSSAA Division II–A (varsity and junior varsity).

    • Lower school athletic offerings here
    • Middle school athletic offerings here
    • Upper school athletic offerings here
    • Athletic summer camps for grade K–12 here

  • Facilities

    Harding Academy: Our campus for grades K–12 is situated in the heart of East Memphis at 1100 Cherry Road. The facilities include classroom buildings, two computer labs, a 1400-seat auditorium, and an extensive athletic complex (three gymnasiums, stadium, ball fields, weight room, and tennis courts). It also houses our central offices including admissions, business, development, communications, facilities, athletics, and the office of the head of school.

    Little Harding: The Little Harding campus operates in the Church of Christ at White Station located at 1106 Colonial Road. This campus serves children ages 6 weeks through junior kindergarten. Harding Academy partners with the church for use of the gym, chapel, multi-purpose rooms, and cafeteria.

  • Faculty

    Little Harding (6 weeks – Jr. K)

    • Total Faculty: 33
    • Classroom Teachers: 27
    • Average Experience: 17 years

    Lower School Faculty (K-5)

    • Total Faculty: 35
    • Classroom Teachers: 15
    • Average Experience: 23 years
    • Advanced Degrees: 63%

    Middle and Upper Schools (6-12)

    • Total Faculty: 49
    • Classroom Teachers: 43
    • Average Experience: 16 years
    • Advanced Degrees: 49%

  • Fine Arts

    We believe all students, being made in the image of God, have an innate desire to create. Our fine arts program helps students to explore their creativity, express themselves, and use their gifts to bless others.

    • Visual Arts offerings here
    • Music offerings here
    • Theatre offering here

  • History

    Harding Academy was founded in 1952 as a coeducational, college-preparatory Christian school serving students in grades K–12. Originally named Memphis Christian School, it was founded to allow young people to have a Christ-centered education. In 1991, we opened a preschool, Little Harding, to serve children 18 months–Jr. K.

  • Lunch Program

    Local alumni-owned business Belltower is the food service provider for Harding Academy. Students can purchase lunch via an online account system. Students may also bring lunches from home. 

  • Spiritual Life

    We recognize our connection to God in everything we learn and everything we do. We want to help students recognize God’s deep love for them and let it shape them every day, in every way.

    • Learn about teaching for transformation here
    • Learn about campus ministry here

  • Technology

    • An iPad is issued to each student in grades 6–12.
    • Each 3-year-old–grade 5 classroom is equipped with iPads. A minimum iPad to student ratio of 1:3 is maintained in all classrooms.
    • The wireless network extends throughout all campuses.
    • Canvas is used as our learning management system.