Frequently Asked Questions
Q: From what schools does MUS enroll the largest number of students?
A: Students entering our seventh grade in the fall of 2011 represent 15 public, independent, and charter schools. The schools with the most alumni in our seventh grade are Presbyterian Day School and Christ Methodist Day School. The school most alumni entering our ninth grade is Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School, and there are nine different schools represented by the new freshman for 2011-2012. Overall, twenty-five schools are represented by students entering in the fall of 2011.
Q: Does MUS accept international students?
A: MUS enrolls a small number of international students who meet certain criteria. Read more about our polices regarding international students.
Q: What is the dress code for students?
A: Our students do not wear uniforms, but they are expected to be presentable and appropriately dressed throughout the school day. This means that dress slacks with a belt or suspenders are required; shoes must be in good repair (no athletic shoes or sandals); socks must be worn that completely cover the ankle bone; and collared shirts are required with tucked in shirttails at all times. Students are required to wear a sport coat, dress shirt, and tie on Fridays. Hair must be neatly and appropriately groomed so that it stays out of the eyes, above the mid-point of the ear, and above the collar in the back. Sideburns may not extend below the earlobe. No facial hair is allowed.
Q: What types of support services, academic and otherwise, are in place for students?
A: Faculty pride themselves on the individual attention given to students in the classroom. They typically have three periods free from teaching during the day if students want to arrange individual appointments. Upper School student peer tutors are available to assist students. Additionally, MUS possesses an outstanding, proactive counseling department where students can find experienced counselors to address academic and emotional concerns. Specific programs include academic monitoring by counselors, faculty advising, and student mentoring.
Q: What is the cost of tuition, and how many students receive financial aid?
A: Annual tuition for every grade is $17,500 for the 2011-12 academic year. Fees, books, and optional insurance plans are not included in tuition. Tuition covers only 75 percent of the school's operating costs, with the balance being met by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and endowments. This equates to a 25 percent tuition subsidy for all students attending MUS. Thirty percent of the student body receives some need-based financial assistance, totaling about $2 million. All financial aid at MUS is need-based.
Q: What colleges do MUS graduates attend?
A: The Class of 2011 was accepted to 115 different schools in 33 different states, as well as Washington, DC, British Columbia, and Scotland. For example, seniors in the Class of 2011 were accepted to Ivy League schools such as Princeton University and Dartmouth College and prestigious state universities such as the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Michigan. A full-time director and associate director of College Counseling assist families as they traverse the college application process, with 100 percent of our students attending a four-year institution. The Class of 2011 was offered more than $9 million in scholarships based on academics, athletics, and/or leadership. This amount does not include need-based financial aid. We firmly believe that the college preparation process commences once a student matriculates to Memphis University School.
Q: How racially and religiously diverse is the student body?
A: For the 2010-11 school year, approximately 19 percent of the student body was identified as a racial minority, and 8 percent identified themselves as a non-Christian, religious minority.
Q: How many students are involved in athletics?
A: A high percentage (about 75 percent) of students participate on an athletic team as either an athlete or manager, and there is a physical education requirement for all students. For many athletic teams there is a no-cut policy, meaning students who try out for certain sports are not eliminated. There is no requirement to join an athletic team.
Q: How does MUS create awareness among its students about the danger of drug and alcohol use?
A: We take educating our students on the dangers of illegal substances very seriously. We provide student programs appropriate for each grade level focusing on refusal skills and responsible decision-making. These programs include Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) and Alive at 25. We also offer mentoring between Upper School leaders and eighth graders. Our student-led organizations such as Heartbeat (for Upper School) promote a lifestyle for students free of drug and alcohol use. Since research indicates that parents have the greatest influence on a boy's decision regarding drug and alcohol use, we distribute the Community of Concern booklet to educate all our parents. In conjunction with the Parents' Association, we promote the Safe Home Program to encourage communication between parents in providing a substance-free environment. Our goal at MUS is to change the societal culture that accepts drug use and underage drinking, but we cannot do it without the leadership and involvement of parents.
Q: How is technology used with teaching, and do you require students to purchase laptops?
A: At MUS, instruction and use of technology is integrated with academic learning and practically applied. Computers are readily accessible to students through multiple labs, kiosks, and laptops in our Lower School, Upper School, and Library. Additionally, a large selection of digital equipment is available for student use in our recording studio and chapel. If students prefer to bring their own laptops from home, we will connect them to our wireless Internet system. We do not require families to go to the expense of purchasing a laptop.
Q: Does being a legacy factor into the application process?
A: An applicant's legacy status is considered and may factor into the Admission Committee's decision. Sons, stepsons, grandsons, brothers, stepbrothers, and nephews of alumni, and brothers of current students are considered legacies. Regardless of legacy status, all applicants must be deemed academically capable of handling coursework at MUS before being admitted.