About MBA
Community and Culture
A Culture of Curiosity, Character, and Connection
At the heart of MBA’s mission is the development of young men into gentlemen, scholars, and athletes. That work begins with building a culture where every boy is known, valued, welcomed, and respected.
Our programs and curriculum invite boys to think critically, engage a range of diverse perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with each other and with the world around them. Whether in the classroom, at a debate tournament, on the field, or out in the community, our students are encouraged to lead with character and become young men who make meaningful contributions to society.
The values necessary to create a welcoming community are synonymous with the values necessary to be a Gentleman – respect, humility, kindness, compassion, and courage. Developing and reinforcing these values within our boys is essential to our individual and collective well-being in a multi-faceted world. Our community is enriched by the presence of differing and sometimes conflicting perspectives and life experiences. We seek to understand those perspectives.
Rooted In Relationships
At MBA, no boy walks alone. From the moment a student steps onto campus, he is welcomed not just into a school, but into a community rooted in relationships and character. Here, boys are known, challenged, and valued—part of a community of teachers, mentors, coaches, and peers who help him discover his abilities and nurture his sense of purpose and possibility.
MBA reflects an ever-evolving community—welcoming students and faculty from across Middle Tennessee, the country, and the globe.
“I thought the school would be a very homogeneous environment where every boy is the same, where everybody looks the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I never realized how many different interests these boys have. I just thought everyone was into sports. There are kids into robotics, into language, art, music. Anything you can imagine.” – Current Parent
Global Understanding & Civic Leadership
Our students develop meaningful understandings and connections with their Nashville neighbors, and gain an appreciation for our border global society through immersive international language, cultural, and service experiences. Our commitment to developing citizens who lead and serve is rooted in action. On campus, our Service Club partners with local nonprofits to connect students with their Nashville neighbors—from tutoring refugee youth to preparing meals for the unhoused. These experiences are not just acts of service—they’re moments of shared humanity, humility, and personal transformation. Our local experiences are further enriched through international opportunities. Whether through an exchange program, a Wilson Grant experience, or a service trip to Ghana, Belize, or Greece, MBA offers students the chance to see the world—and to see themselves in new ways.
A Brotherhood That Breeds Confidence
MBA’s atmosphere is one grounded in trust, tradition, and shared purpose. In a space designed just for boys, students feel free to take healthy risks, explore their interests, and express themselves fully. Without the social pressures of a co-ed setting, they push past perceived limits, build resilience, forge bonds, and become part of a lifelong brotherhood.
“Every single student here plays a role in your life. And it feels just like we’re all brothers. It feels like I go to school with family members every day. That’s how close we get.” – High School Student
Fostering Connection & Dialogue
Programs like Strength Through Knowledge, Big Brother/Little Brother, and Tearing Down the Walls are just a few ways our students engage in building trust, empathy, and understanding. These efforts are supported and deepened by MBA’s student leadership groups, who teach values such as the Honor Code and who instill habits of open and civil dialogue among students and faculty.
Big Brother / Little Brother
Before a new 7th grader even sets foot in a classroom, he already has someone looking out for him. MBA’s Big Brother / Little Brother program pairs every rising 7th grader with a rising senior who serves as a guide, mentor, and friend. Through shared meals, service projects, dodgeball games, and first-day traditions, these pairings ease transitions, build confidence, and forge meaningful friendships across grades. It’s one of many ways we help boys feel seen, welcomed, and supported.
Clubs, Conversations, and Community
Outside the classroom, students discover shared passions, explore new ones, and build bonds. Whether it’s a huddle on the field or a debate team dinner, extracurriculars and clubs help boys connect, collaborate, and break down social barriers.
MBA reflects an ever-evolving community—welcoming students and faculty from across Middle Tennessee, the country, and the globe.
“I thought the school would be a very homogeneous environment where every boy is the same, where everybody looks the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I never realized how many different interests these boys have. I just thought everyone was into sports. There are kids into robotics, into language, art, music. Anything you can imagine.” – Current Parent
Global Understanding & Civic Leadership
Our students develop meaningful understandings and connections with their Nashville neighbors, and gain an appreciation for our border global society through immersive international language, cultural, and service experiences. Our commitment to developing citizens who lead and serve is rooted in action. On campus, our Service Club partners with local nonprofits to connect students with their Nashville neighbors—from tutoring refugee youth to preparing meals for the unhoused. These experiences are not just acts of service—they’re moments of shared humanity, humility, and personal transformation. Our local experiences are further enriched through international opportunities. Whether through an exchange program, a Wilson Grant experience, or a service trip to Ghana, Belize, or Greece, MBA offers students the chance to see the world—and to see themselves in new ways.
A Brotherhood That Breeds Confidence
MBA’s atmosphere is one grounded in trust, tradition, and shared purpose. In a space designed just for boys, students feel free to take healthy risks, explore their interests, and express themselves fully. Without the social pressures of a co-ed setting, they push past perceived limits, build resilience, forge bonds, and become part of a lifelong brotherhood.
“Every single student here plays a role in your life. And it feels just like we’re all brothers. It feels like I go to school with family members every day. That’s how close we get.” – High School Student
Fostering Connection & Dialogue
Programs like Strength Through Knowledge, Big Brother/Little Brother, and Tearing Down the Walls are just a few ways our students engage in building trust, empathy, and understanding. These efforts are supported and deepened by MBA’s student leadership groups, who teach values such as the Honor Code and who instill habits of open and civil dialogue among students and faculty.
Big Brother / Little Brother
Before a new 7th grader even sets foot in a classroom, he already has someone looking out for him. MBA’s Big Brother / Little Brother program pairs every rising 7th grader with a rising senior who serves as a guide, mentor, and friend. Through shared meals, service projects, dodgeball games, and first-day traditions, these pairings ease transitions, build confidence, and forge meaningful friendships across grades. It’s one of many ways we help boys feel seen, welcomed, and supported.
Clubs, Conversations, and Community
Outside the classroom, students discover shared passions, explore new ones, and build bonds. Whether it’s a huddle on the field or a debate team dinner, extracurriculars and clubs help boys connect, collaborate, and break down social barriers.
List of 5 frequently asked questions.
Montgomery Bell Academy
4001 Harding Road
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 298-5514
