Our School

Tennessee's First Public Montessori School

As Nashville's first public Montessori school, Hull-Jackson Elementary School encourages students in our primary and elementary programs to engage and learn through an individualized learning format based on the Montessori philosophy. As part of this philosophy, teachers guide students through differentiated instruction tailored to meet the strengths and challenges of their students, all while meeting district and state academic standards.

Hull-Jackson is a school where every student is known. Its nurturing, inclusive, and welcoming environment empowers students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally through Montessori principles supported by caring educators. At Hull-Jackson, doves are spreading their wings and reaching new heights!

Students have the opportunity to participate in various activities outside of the regular school day, such as music productions, tutoring, student council, cross-country, soccer, and community-building projects.

Why a Multi-Age Classroom?

One aspect of a Montessori classroom is that there is a 3-year age span among the children.

• Primary: 3-6 years old, or Preschool through kindergarten.
• Students in grades 1-5 are scheduled into homerooms according to their grade level.

Maria Montessori found the multi-age classroom to be most beneficial for children, and now, educational research supports this practice, although it is typically only found in Montessori schools.

Benefits of a Multi-Age Classroom

• Children learn from one another - they learn by observing and interacting.
• Young children learn higher-level cognitive and social skills not only through mental development but also by observing others as models.
• Collaborative learning is encouraged.
• Multi-age grouping helps children develop a sense of community and supports social development.
• Children work at their own levels, which may vary in different curriculum areas.
• Curriculum and materials are multidimensional and concrete.
• Multi-age groupings lend itself well to the inclusion of children with special needs into classrooms with typically developing peers.
• Children who are given the freedom to interact with children of different ages build a sense of themselves and a sense of confidence.

Montessori philosophy supports multi-age grouping, and Montessori teachers have implemented it for over 100 years. This concept has recently moved into the mainstream due to the work of many educational theorists and researchers. Some states are now recommending their preschools and elementary classrooms implement multi-age grouping.