Achievements | Scholar | Montgomery Bell Academy
Students in uniform outside school

SCHOLAR

Achievements

At MBA, academic achievement is more than grades—it reflects intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to excellence. Our students rise to the challenge of a rigorous curriculum, pursue independent learning, and are consistently recognized at the local, regional, and national levels.


At A Glance 
  • 57 AP scholars (Class of 2025) 
  • 30 National Merit Recognized Students (Class of ‘25 and Class of '26) 
  • 90%+ students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams

Students wearing different school shirts


Academic Teams & Achievements
Debate 
  • National Champions, Tournament of Champions: 1999, 2020, 2025
  • National Runners-up, Tournament of Champions: 2019, 2023, 2024
  • National Champions, National Debate Coaches Association: 2019, 2023
  • David P. Baker Award, #1 Policy Debate Team in the US, 2017: 2019, 2020
Mock Trial
  • National Championship: 3rd Place, 2023, 1st Place, 2025
  • Tennessee State High School Competition Champions: 2022, 2023, 2025
  • 7x State Champions (most in TN history); 20x District Champions
  • 7x Empire Champions (second most in the US)
Math and Science Teams
  • ENVIROTHON National Champions: 2024 
  • Mathcounts Nashville Chapter Champions: 2025
Robotics
  • Tennessee State Championship Qualifiers: 9 of 10 robots (2021–2025)
  • Two Teams Qualified for Top 64 in Tennessee (2025)
  • Only All-Freshman Team to Compete at State Championship (2025)

 

Visual and Performing Art Awards 
Scholastic Art Awards

27 Gold Key Regional Awards in recent years, with 2 National Gold Medalists and 1 National Silver Medalist whose work was displayed in a national exhibit including The Met in NYC.
Tennessee Art Education Association Awards

Dozens of MBA students recognized annually at the Parthenon regional show; state-level honors include Best in Printmaking (4 consecutive years), Best in Sculpture (2 years), and awards for Video and Photography.
Young Tennessee Artists

8 students accepted into the biennial AP/IB exhibition at the Frist Art Museum showcasing the strongest work across the state.
Band

National invitation to perform at the Jazz Educators Network Conference; multiple All-State and Mid-State recognitions annually.
Choir

Two students selected for the ACDA All-National Honor Choir (2025); MBA Chamber Choir earned Superior Performance and Superior Sight-Reading at both ACDA State and MTVA Festivals.
Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra earned the Orchestra of Excellence Award (2024, 2025); multiple Superior ratings at the Concert Performance Assessment; five students selected for the Honors Performance Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.
Tri-M Music Honor Society

Named National Chapter of the Year (2024), using the award to host Breaking Down Barriers with Music, a community program featuring nationally recognized musicians and educators.

 

School News & Recognition