Great education does more than teach children to memorize facts. It sets them up to be curious, independent and hungry to learn more. Sumner Academy employs thoughtful programming and structure to nurture these types of students who will thrive as they grow.
Sumner Academy was founded in 1973 with a foundational commitment to educating independent thinkers and cultivating lifelong learners. Those values have continued to shape the school throughout its history as it reimagines education for its Pre-K through eighth-grade students.
The Head of School at Sumner Academy, Chan Gammill, says, “That ethos remains at the heart of every aspect of our programming and decision-making. Our history reminds us that education is not just about helping students acquire knowledge but also about teaching them to think critically, solve problems creatively, communicate effectively, and develop the confidence to navigate an ever-changing world. Generations of families have trusted Sumner Academy because of our commitment to knowing each child as an individual and cultivating their unique abilities.”
Small class sizes are one of the ways the school ensures each child receives the attention they need. Teachers have the ability to recognize when students need encouragement, additional challenges or when a different approach may help them grasp the material.
Gammill says, “Students are not lost in the crowd; they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are.”
The personalized, relational approach allows teachers to engage students at their level and help them grow. “For some students, that may mean enrichment opportunities, advanced coursework, or leadership roles. For others, it may mean additional guidance and individualized instruction to build confidence and mastery. Not every student moves at the same pace, but we want to ensure that every student makes meaningful progress and develops resilience as a learner,” says Gammill.
Sumner Academy also inspires students and awakens their curiosity through more than textbooks. With the technology in the IDEA Hub, nature exploration in the Monarch Manor and more, students can engage with the world around them. In a world dominated by screens, hands-on learning experiences provide vital balance for children and often give them more energy and attentiveness when they return to the classroom.
As Gammill says, it reflects the school’s “belief that education should engage the whole child.”
The relational approach to education and thoughtful academic programming highlights Sumner Academy’s mission and guiding motto for children who step onto its campus: Be Known, Be Challenged, Be Curious.
Gammill says, “What brings these pillars to life is their interconnectedness. A student who is truly known feels more confident accepting challenges. A student who is appropriately challenged is more likely to discover new interests and feel inspired. An inspired student becomes more engaged and invested in learning. Small class sizes allow our teachers to nurture that cycle every day, creating an educational experience that is deeply personal, academically meaningful, and uniquely aligned with our mission to discover and cultivate each child's abilities.”
Sumner Academy provides a strong foundation of education in literacy, mathematics, science, history and communication, but it moves beyond academic learning into skills that set children up for success when they graduate.
Programs nurture children’s time management skills, organizational skills and other important executive functions. There is also an emphasis on character development, with students growing in leadership, responsibility and empathy throughout their educational journey at Sumner Academy. At every step, children receive support in a tight-knit community where they know they matter.
Gammill says, “Ultimately, when a Sumner Academy graduate walks across the stage at 8th-grade graduation, our hope is that they leave with more than an excellent academic foundation. We want them to leave curious, confident, resilient, and prepared to navigate whatever comes next. If we have helped them become lifelong learners and independent thinkers who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the world around them, then we have fulfilled our mission.”
SumnerAcademy.org
info@sumneracademy.org
464 Nichols Lane, Gallatin, TN 37066
Students are not lost in the crowd; they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are.