The Nashville Bible School was founded in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. By 1896 the school had three divisions: collegiate, intermediate, and primary. Most of the primary students were children of faculty members. Although a section of the school equivalent to high school has always existed, there has not always been a strict curriculum and graduation requirements as seen today. In the very early years of the school, high school students took the courses of their own selection and, when they felt ready, went on to college level courses. High school students lived in dormitories with the college students until the 1950s. Today, Lipscomb Academy is Middle Tennessee's largest Pre-K through 12 independent school. In June 2012, the school changed its name from David Lipscomb Campus School to Lipscomb Academy.
Academics
In 1927, the high school met the qualifications required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was accredited. In 1981 the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades were classified as the middle school. The next year, the fifth grade was added to the middle school. In addition, Richard Jones was appointed the first director of the primary and secondary education units in 1983 and the first K-12 mission statement was soon adopted. The curriculum and offerings at the academy continue to undergo change and adaptation. Beginning in Fall, 2000, Advanced Placement classes were added in the high school. Curriculum enhancements also included wireless technology, increases in graduation requirements, and elective classes in Bible. The Office of Campus Minister was added to the Campus School in the 2002-03 school year and began providing spiritual counseling to students and families. One member of the class of 2012 was named National Merit Scholar, while 3 students in the current senior class have been named semifinalists in the National Merit competition.
Before the appointment of Richard Jones in 1983, the academy was under the direct supervision of the president of Lipscomb University.
Facilities
The high school and middle school reside on the university campus in Harding Hall and Adams Hall. In 1986 the elementary school moved a few blocks away to a renovated former public school acquired from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. All three are comprised under the name Lipscomb Academy. Athletic facilities include the Reese Smith athletic complex, formerly known as Maplehurst field. This complex includes a football stadium and field, a track, and baseball field. The facility was named in appreciation of Lipscomb friend and contributor, Reese Smith. The high school soccer complex, known as the Griffith Family Soccer Field and Complex, was dedicated in April 2013 and is located on Franklin Road. The high school and middle school campus also contains two basketball gymnasiums and a weightlifting facility.
