Celebrating Croft Middle

The "Zoo School" Offers Students Unique Academic Experiences
Posted on 10/27/2021
Croft Middle Music School

Located on the property of the Nashville Zoo since it opened in  2003, Croft Middle Design Center is a unique middle school dedicated to global environmental awareness and developing the talents of our future leaders.   Croft Middle science class 

Students at Croft benefit from several unique programs, including a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics education (STEAM). Some characteristics of STEAM include Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences, educating students about future career opportunities, interdisciplinary planning and collaboration between teachers of different subjects, and using the Engineering Design Process for problem solving. Croft is proud to be a Tennessee State STEM School as recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network for its teaching and learning strategies.    

Croft, also known as the “Zoo School,” is home to four exotic animal exhibits, supplied by the Nashville Zoo and cared for by the Croft zookeeper students and faculty. In addition to its unique location and hands-on learning opportunities with the Nashville Zoo, Croft is a member of the esteemed Cambridge International academic community. With Cambridge, students have access to a challenging curriculum that builds 21st-century skills to sustain lifelong learning.    

Croft offers students a variety of athletic options and a comprehensive related arts program that includes an award-winning music program with band and strings instruction, physical education, visual arts, computer science, and zoology. In addition, eighth-graders can take  Spanish 1 for high school credit. The Encore program helps challenge and support gifted and talented students, while technology integration helps support interactive, blended learning throughout the school.    

Additionally, through a partnership with Vanderbilt University, Croft has a full-time resident scientist onsite. Through intentional collaboration between faculty and the resident scientist, lessons are geared toward engaging students in project-based learning experiences.    

Every Student is Known at Croft by teachers and staff because the school staff prioritizes connecting with all students to ensure their academic and social and emotional needs are being met. Students have an adult in the building who serves as their navigator and mentor.    

“Our goal is for Croft to feel like a second home for our teachers, students, and families,” said Croft Executive Principal Dr. Jeremy Lewis.     

Croft’s school colors are blue and green, reflecting the school’s environmental awareness theme, and its mascot is the cougar. The school is fortunate to have an active Parent Teacher Organization that supports and appreciates teachers and staff, raises funds for the school, and hosts several student and family events throughout the year.    

Tour Croft 

Croft welcomes new students and families who are interested in the many opportunities this unique South Nashville school offers. Croft encourages potential families to email Dr. Lewis to arrange a visit and tour.     

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