Join the Ghertner family in supporting USN

The Annual Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining USN, accounting for 5% of the operating budget. As the school encourages families to consider making a gift, we take a moment to reflect on the spirit of philanthropy at USN. Learn why PDS/USN alum and trustee Scott Ghertner ’85 gives to USN in this week's donor spotlight.
Make a gift to the Annual Fund at usn.org/giving. The Annual Fund accounts for 5% of the school's operating budget and is the foundation of philanthropy at USN, allowing our outstanding faculty to create a challenging, creative, and inclusive atmosphere for our students. It provides critical resources for USN's highest priorities: academic programming, need-based financial aid, arts, athletics, and campus enhancements.


Join the Ghertner family in supporting USN.
“So many things about USN continue to inspire me, just as they did upon my first stepping onto the school steps in the fall of 1973 to join Mrs. Dickinson’s first grade class. I certainly didn’t comprehend at that time the significance of these tender years for the school as it transitioned from Peabody Demonstration School to University School of Nashville. Now, finishing my eighth and final year as a board member, I can only imagine how hard-fought the battle must have been to raise money and support to keep the school open and launch it into a new era with all its stellar original values intact. It has been a joy for me to proudly be the son of an alum, Frank Ghertner ’59, and the father of two alumni, Margo Ghertner ’16 and Jonathan Ghertner ’19. I am looking forward to the 40th reunion of my amazing Class of ’85 in May and to many more decades of success for USN.”

— Scott Ghertner ’85, Board of Trustees, Parent of Margo ’16 and Jonathan ’19

Stand with the Brown family in giving back to USN.
“I spent almost all my school years at PDS; it was not until I was in college that I realized how rare were the strength and support of our community experiences. Over the years, PDS/USN has drawn many types of students and teachers in different eras, yet there is a sense of home to this body of people that has not changed over all those years. As individuals and a group, we are interesting and involved. We should all be proud of that.”
— Carol Norris Brown ’70
National Alumni Board of Visitors

Join Coach Bachman in supporting USN's Annual Fund.
“I chose to give to USN for the same reasons I sought to work here. I was and continue to be inspired by the diversity, ethics, critical thinking, civic engagement, and compassion I see celebrated and modeled in our classrooms, hallways, and throughout all of our community. I give because I believe wholeheartedly in the teaching and learning that goes on here. I give so that we can continue to provide all students with experiences that inform, inspire, and challenge them to help create a brighter future. I give because students and the community at USN have given me hope.”
— Lindsey Bachman
Physical Education Teacher K-8
Coach, HS Girls Cross Country, MS Track & Field, MS Swim


Help the Popplewell family support USN with your donation.
“We love and give to USN because we believe in its mission and hold this community close not just in moments of triumph, but through challenges, too. At times, this year has felt like it could shake what makes this place so special, but it’s in the journey from valleys to growth that the most meaningful work will take root.

We give to the Annual Fund because we believe in what is ahead — that now, more than ever, we must come together to build a strong future that uplifts every student who has walked these halls, past, present, and beyond. To commit to furthering a legacy that is grounded in care, championing social, emotional, and academic excellence.  

By investing our time, resources, and support, we ensure that USN shines brighter than ever and that every student has the tools to grow into a thoughtful, engaged adult who contributes to the world. What a moment we have as a community to show our children that when challenges arise, we lean in. We reflect, we learn, we evolve, we invest in the future, and we build — together.”
— Angela and Ty Popplewell, Parents of Teddy ’34

Stand with the Jackson family in giving back to USN.
“We love USN because it has truly contributed to our two sons becoming more well-rounded individuals. The diverse environment has provided them with experiences and learnings they might not have encountered elsewhere. They have interacted with peers from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding. The school's commitment to holistic education ensures that our children are not only excelling academically but also growing socially and emotionally. The supportive teachers and staff create a nurturing atmosphere where our children feel valued and encouraged to explore their interests and talents.”
— Jaime and Sam Jackson, Parents of Sam ’25 and Jamison ’28

See Annual "Fun" with Juliet Douglas.
Click here to watch Interim Director Juliet Douglas discuss the importance of the Annual Fund with Puppet VInce Durnan. Douglas, who retired in 2023 after 27 years as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid and left a lasting impact on our school culture, returns to USN on Monday, March 31 as Interim Director.

Join the Greer family in giving to USN.
“My wife Aly and I have seen firsthand how a quality education can have a profound impact on a young person’s life. Since we became USN parents in 2021, it has been an honor to be involved in a community that places such value on education, diversity, and incredible programs that support long-term success.”
— Scott Greer ’05, Parent of Nick ’34 and Tommy ’36

University School of Nashville relies on the generosity of the PDS/USN community to support the daily experiences for our students. The exceptional education received at USN is amplified by the generosity of our many donors. We are grateful for the alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who make a gift each year. Make a gift today.

If you'd like to be featured in a future donor spotlight, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
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Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.