MUS admits students without regard to race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin and seeks students with the potential for college studies. We offer need-based financial aid to qualified students.
Mission Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school’s Christian tradition.
Philosophy Memphis University School is committed to high standards of honor and integrity, academic performance, service, leadership, and athletics, and to the transmission of Judeo-Christian values.
An MUS education is characterized by a rigorous curriculum, a lively exchange of ideas, supportive teaching, and adherence to an honor code. Its objective is to instruct students in the skills and subject matter of the humanities and sciences, to engender successful habits and techniques of learning, and to instill the foremost principles of personal responsibility, morality, and gentlemanly conduct.
A dynamic extracurricular program devoted to excellence promotes leadership and service and encourages development of physical fitness and a rich variety of talents and interests. Non-denominational and non-sectarian, MUS seeks to foster a respectful appreciation of the spiritual nature of people and honors the sincere expression of widely differing faiths. MUS aspires to be a community of mutual respect and concern regardless of individual differences.
Written by members of the Class of 2001, the Community Creed was approved by the Student Council and adopted as a statement of the ideals and virtues that have governed student behavior and attitudes since the inception of the school.
Community Creed As students of Memphis University School, we share a duty to preserve our tradition of general excellence by upholding the principles that define and unify our community.
Truth and Honor: An MUS student tells the truth, does his own work, honors his commitments, and respects the property of others and of the school.
Scholarship: An MUS student actively seeks knowledge and understanding, and he encourages that pursuit among his classmates.
Service:
An MUS student contributes his time and abilities to the welfare of his school and of the greater community.
Respect:
An MUS student is courteous and kind and appreciates everyone in his community.
Humility:
An MUS student may be confident but never arrogant or boastful.
Involvement:
An MUS student develops leadership, cooperation, communication, self-discipline, and friendships in activities outside the classroom.
Accountability:
An MUS student takes responsibility for his actions and accepts their consequences.
Honor and integrity characterize a school worthy of respect. From its earliest days, Memphis University School has developed these virtues through the Honor System. An integral part of the life of the students, the Honor System aids the school in its mission of developing a boy’s character and enriching his spiritual life. Learn more about the Honor System, Oath of Honor, and Honor Council under Student Leadership HERE.
Dear MUS, How kind the fate that brought us to these halls To learn thy ways, To walk in truth and honor all our days. We pray that we shall always honor Thee. Let us all unite to sing To Alma Mater, Friend, and Leader, University.
WEATHER CLOSINGS During adverse weather conditions, administrators monitor the situation and decide when the school will close or follow abbreviated hours. The decision is posted on the school’s website and social media as soon as it is made, so please do not call or message school officials or administrative offices.
The school also calls, emails, and texts families during school emergencies and closings. These emergency notifications are called Owls Alerts. For us to contact you, we need accurate contact information and your permission to text you.
If you need to update your contact information, go to the Profile Update page of our website. You must also text "YES" to 87569 to allow us to text you.
The school responds to severe weather and other emergencies with a practiced procedure of securing students as quickly and as safely as possible in the most secure environment that the facilities offer.
In any real emergency, students are not to leave campus without permission from the administration. Buildings are safer than vehicles during these events, and the driving lanes on campus must be as free as possible for emergency vehicles or for the orderly dismissal from school once conditions improve according to the National Weather Service.
The MUS U Book is a comprehensive annual handbook of policies and contact information. It is provided to current MUS families, and may not be used for solicitation or commercial purpose. For confidentiality reasons only policies are provided here.
This document briefly outlines school policy about social media, use of school identity, and publishing guidelines. Contact the Communications Office with any questions.
Get Ready for Spirit Week: Oct. 14-18
The Upper School and Lower School student councils are sponsoring a spirit week leading up to the varsity football squad’s October 18 matchup with rival Christian Brothers.
The Honorable Sheryl H. Lipman, chief judge of the United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, spoke in chapel October 4. At a time when the judiciary and judges have come under fire, History Department Chair Jonathan Jones invited Judge Lipman to explain the vital work done by our courts.
Faculty Emeritus Barry Ray was the speaker at the Lower School Manhood Breakfast October 4. Ray, who retired as Assistant Headmaster, Upper School Principal, and History Instructor in May, spoke about the eight qualities that make a real man.
We hope everyone has a great Fall Break and gets out to see the Owls compete in bowling, cross country, football, golf, and wrestling from October 10-18. Always check the team pages under Athletics for the most current sports information.
We will follow a modified schedule October 16-17 to accommodate PSAT testing. Please note the schedule details are for Upper School only. Lower School students will follow their regular schedule. Breakfast and lunch will be served both days.
Juniors have met with the Jostens sales representative, and ordering information has been distributed. See the flyer in the packet for pricing, metal options, or the class ring process. Orders are due Friday, October 18.
Music from Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain will enliven the Dining Hall as the MUS band and orchestra groups perform their first concert of the year October 22 at 7 p.m.
Students experienced a sample of TEDxMemphis: the miXtape in chapel today, hearing two talks that will be presented in Hyde Chapel Saturday, September 28.
The Lower School lacrosse team is open to any MUS student in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. If your son is interested in playing lacrosse this spring, please fill out this form - it does not obligate your son to participate in lacrosse. Read Coach Kimbrough Taylor’s letter from the team page.
The Counseling Department will be facilitating anti-bullying activities throughout the month of October to raise student awareness. Owls are encouraged to participate by wearing our “Be Kind, Bruh” T-shirts. Shirts can be worn every Thursday in October after Fall Break.
CSO will hold a sports festival and cookout at the Emmanuel Center (604 Saint Paul Avenue, Memphis) Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. All MUS students interested in volunteering for fun and free food are welcome to attend.
The following 10 seniors have received recognition as National Merit Commended Scholars indicating their PSAT scores rank among the top 3-4% in the United States: Joephen Chen, Bennett Frazer, Wilkes Gowen, Diego Guerrero Viloria, Leo Meske, Paxton Silver, Whitt Stockburger, Gabe Ungab, Dennis White, and Ethan Zaptin.
The Alumni Executive Board named Bill Dunavant ’78 the Alumnus of the Year at its annual awards luncheon September 19. Chair of the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, Dunavant has made it a priority to change the Memphis narrative by focusing on the positive aspects of the city. Through this position, he is challenging businesses to advocate for accessible education, job attainment, and community engagement.
The Alumni Executive Board honored Scott Sherman ’89 as Volunteer of the Year at their Awards Luncheon September 19. During his recently completed two-year term as president of the D. Eugene Thorn Society, Sherman led the Executive Committee to record-setting years for both members and dollars.
MUS is partnering with Paul Martin, founder of College Money Method, to provide six virtual programs and a helpful resource library about college financial planning, including merit-based scholarships and the need-based financial aid process.
Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement has announced that Harvey Kay ’01 has been promoted to director of Development. Kay joined the Development Office as director of the Annual Fund in September 2023. In this newly created position, he will oversee the school’s annual fundraising efforts as well as alumni and parent programs.
Olympic decathlete Harrison Williams, Class of 2014, spent the morning on campus, speaking at the Manhood Breakfast, joining in the Talking The U Podcast, and sharing his journey in an interview with Track and Cross Country Head Coach Drew Hinote during chapel.
Messrs. Werts and Rhea would surely be proud of the celebration today in honor of our dear founders who opened Memphis University School on September 13, 1893.