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Harding Academy (Memphis)
Encyclopedia
The Early Days—Memphis Christian School
In December 1949, a group of men met to discuss starting a Christian school where the Bible could be studied daily. This dream became reality in the fall of 1952 when Memphis Christian School opened in the education building of the Normal Church of Christ, now the former home of Highland Street Church of Christ. Mary Nell Hardeman Powers served as the first principal, and 192 students enrolled that year in the kindergarten through the sixth grade school. During that year the school acquired the King Mansion (now home to the Harding University Graduate School of Religion) located on Cherry Road at Park Avenue. The 1953-54 school year opened at the new 57 acres (230,671 m²) site, and grades seven and eight were offered for the first time. Mrs. Powers penned the school alma mater that year.For the 1955-56 school year, the ninth grade was added. Mr. Marion Hickingbottom became the new principal. The following year the school received approval for the first time from the Tennessee State Board of Education. During the spring of 1957, Harding College
Harding University
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A...
in Searcy, Arkansas
Searcy, Arkansas
Searcy is the largest city and county seat of White County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,663. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County...
was asked to take over the school. Harding’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to assume the oversight of the school. That decision included moving the Harding University Graduate School of Religion to Memphis] where it would reside in the King Mansion and the construction of a new building south of the mansion to house the newly re-named Christian school as Harding Academy of Memphis.
The Years of Rapid Growth
In 1957-58, the construction on the new building began and the tenth grade was added. Harding Academy opened the 1958-59 year in the new building. It included a classroom wing, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria. Mr. A.M. Anderson became principal. Grades eleven and twelve were added, and the first graduating class, of fifteen students, received diplomas. An elementary building was also under construction and completed in March 1960.Mr. J.E. Summitt served as superintendent for the 1960-61 year. Mr. Harold Bowie arrived the following year and became superintendent.
Over the next decade, the Cherry Road campus continued to be expanded.
- O.O. Emmons Auditorium was built in 1967.
- Ellers Gymnasium, a new library, a cafeteria, and a junior high wing were completed in 1973.
- A new high school building was added in 1974.
- A third gymnasium (now the Sisson Gymnasium) with women’s locker room facilities, a choral room, and additional classrooms opened in 1978.
Enrollment increased dramatically during the 1970’s and peaked at 2,879 students in 1976. At that point the Academy was the largest private school in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. This growth was possible because of the willingness of the local Churches of Christ to allow the school to use their educational facilities in order to expand. By 1970-71 all elementary enrollment had moved from the Cherry Road campus into local church buildings. In 1978, the Academy separated from Harding College
Harding University
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A...
becoming an independent school under the direction of its own board of directors.
The Past Decade
Harding’s recent past includes two firsts, the opening of Early Childhood, a program for 2’s and 3’s, and the construction of Harding’s first site not to be on the Cherry Road campus. Harding opened a new Cordova campus on Macon Road in November 1997. Early Childhood occupied one wing, and grades 1-6 were housed in the other. A second building opened at that location in the fall of 2001. The kindergarten classes joined Early Childhood in the first building constructed, and grades 1-6 occupied the newer building.Athletics
The athletic program offers students the opportunity to learn sportsmanship, teamwork, respect for others, and sacrifice for the good of the team. Harding’s Cub Sports Program is an intramural athletic program for elementary students designed to stress sportsmanship and participation while promoting the physical, social, mental, and emotional growth of the students. Elementary students can participate in basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and volleyball through the Cub Sports program. The secondary school's athletic teams compete in the TSSAA Division II-Small conference. Sports offered include basketball, baseball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, pom, soccer, softball, tennis, track ,and volleyball.Fine Arts/Journalism
The fine arts program consists of the visual arts, instrumental music, vocal music, and drama programs. Students at every level are encouraged to participate in fine arts. Elementary and Early Childhood students receive weekly instruction in music and visual arts from a specialized teacher. Exploratory, beginner, and advanced visual art classes are offered to secondary students. Students in grades 7-12 can participate in band and chorus, and drama productions, including a yearly musical, are produced two or three times a year. Journalism classes are offered at the high school level, and students are admitted to these classes by applying and being accepted to the journalism staff. Journalism students publish The Lion, the school’s monthly newspaper, and the Shield yearbook. An additional publication, FOCUS magazine, is published by the Advancement Office twice a year.Organizations
Student organizations include the Student Government Association, class officers, and class leaders. Academic, honor, and service clubs as well as special interest groups such as Fellowship of Christian AthletesFellowship of Christian Athletes
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1954 and that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. It falls within the tradition of Muscular Christianity. Although established by evangelical Protestants, the concept has...
, Leadership for the Lord, and Model UN
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
are also available.
LEAP
The Learning Enrichment Advantage Program is a fee based after-school and summer enrichment program taught by a variety of Harding teachers and parents as well as outside vendors. The goal of the LEAP program is to offer experiences for all the elementary students beyond the daily classroom environment. These short-term sessions address a variety of students’ interests, needs, abilities, and learning preferences.Tuition
Tuition is based upon the grade level of the student enrolled and more information is available on the school website. Financial aid is also available to applicants in grades one through twelve who meet the need-based eligibility requirements. All families who indicate their desire for financial aid will be given the appropriate forms.Notable alumni
- Keith Bland (’77), visual artist (oil paintings)
- Ken MayKen MayKenneth A. May is a Memphis, Tennessee native, former CEO of FedEx Office, and chairman of the March of Dimes' board of trustees.-Personal life:...
(’78), former CEO of FedEx Kinko's - Paul ShanklinPaul ShanklinPaul Shanklin is an American conservative political satirist, impressionist, comedian, and conservative speaker...
('81), American conservative political satiristSatireSatire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
, impressionistImpressionist (entertainment)An impressionist or a mimic is a performer whose act consists of imitating the voice and mannerisms of others. The word usually refers to a professional comedian/entertainer who specializes in such performances and has developed a wide repertoire of impressions, including adding to them, often to...
, and comedian - Stephony Smith ('77), songwriter
- Garrett WangGarrett WangGarrett Richard Wang is an American actor. Wang is best known for his role in Star Trek: Voyager as Ensign Harry Kim.-Early life:...
(’85), actor - Beth Phillips ('04), television news reporter