Harding Academy | Community Engagement

- 2023 Fifth Grade Diversity & Inclusion Student Leader Council

- 2023 Sixth Grade Diversity & Inclusion Student Leader Council

Statement of Inclusivity

Because Harding Academy believes that children learn from one another and that such learning may be enhanced by diverse experiences, opinions, and cultures, the school is committed to maintaining a student body and faculty that represent the diverse groups that make up the Nashville community. By encouraging children to appreciate each other’s differences—in race, culture, religion, gender, family structure, and socio-economic levels—the Harding Academy faculty prepares them to become citizens of the global community and the complex, multi-cultural world in which they live.

Community Engagement

At Harding Academy we believe that service and community engagement is leadership. For that reason, our goal is for every student in every grade to be involved in community service. Every grade level has its own community engagement initiative.

We have put a lot of thought into creating meaningful community engagement opportunities for our students – more than checking a box or going through the motions. True community engagement happens when we match a student’s passions and interests to a need in the community. It is our desire to make a real difference in Nashville and the world, not just to create good feelings or even “teachable moments” for our students. By showing what is good and productive about service learning, we hope to create an environment that will be attractive to others and a beacon of hope in the community.

Multicultural Assemblies

Harding fifth through eighth grade students welcomed Holocaust survivor Anya Baum to campus in April.

Despite being on the run for most of her adolescence and no formal education past the age of 7 Anya went on to be a very successful entrepreneur. She designed jackets for some of the biggest stars including Prince and Diana Ross. As a professional makeup artist she even once did the makeup for Cher.

Anya has lived an incredible life in multiple countries designing and building opportunities for herself and her family. She is a proud grandmother living in Boca Raton, Florida. She loves to dance, laugh, and spend time with her dog Rocky.