List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• From what schools does MUS enroll the largest number of students?

  Students entering our seventh grade generally represent about two dozen area public and independent schools. The schools with the most alumni in our seventh grade are typically Presbyterian Day School, Christ Methodist Day School, Pleasant View School, St. George’s Independent School, Houston Middle School, and West Collierville Middle School.
  
  

  Entering ninth graders typically arrive from about a dozen area public and independent schools, with the largest numbers usually coming from Grace-St. Luke's, Woodland Presbyterian, and Grizzlies Prep Charter School.

• What is the dress code for students?

  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; 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.

• What types of support services, academic and otherwise, are in place for students?

  Faculty pride themselves on the individual attention given to students in the classroom. They have periods free from teaching during the day if students want to arrange individual appointments. English, writing, and math labs are also open for Upper School and Lower School students. Upper School student peer tutors are available to assist students. Additionally, MUS has an outstanding, proactive counseling department where students can find experienced counselors to address academic and emotional concerns. Programs include academic monitoring by counselors, faculty advising, proctored evening study sessions before exams, standardized-test preparation, and student mentoring. In addition, the Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center offers outstanding resources for academic assistance. Click here for our Academic Support brochure. Click HERE for our Academic Support brochure.

• What is the cost of tuition, and how many students receive financial aid?

  Annual tuition for every grade is the same; click here for current fees. Fees, books, and optional insurance plans are not included in tuition. Tuition covers only 80 percent of the school's operating costs, with the balance being met by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and endowments. This equates to a 20 percent tuition subsidy for all students attending MUS. Thirty-six percent of the student body receives some need-based financial assistance, currently totaling about $2.8 million. All financial aid at MUS is need-based.

• What colleges do MUS graduates attend?

  Every year, our graduates are accepted to more than 100 different schools in some 30 different states, as well as Washington, DC. A full-time College Counseling director and two counselors assist families with the college application process. We firmly believe that college preparation begins early, a focus that results in 100 percent of our students matriculating to college.
  
  

  Our graduates attend a wide variety of schools every year. Recent colleges of matriculation include Princeton University, Harvard University, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Colby College, Dartmouth College, New York University, Notre Dame University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, Washington University in St. Louis, Rhodes College, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Southern California, and all the United States military academies, among many more.

• How racially and religiously diverse is the student body?

  Currently about 29 percent of MUS students identify as members of a racial minority. There are 18 different religious denominations represented in the student body.

• How many students are involved in athletics?

  A high percentage (about 84 percent) of students participate on an athletic team as either an athlete or manager, and there is a physical education requirement for all students. We offer 14 interscholastic sports in Upper School and 12 in Lower School. For seven athletic teams there is a no-cut policy, meaning they are open to all students. These sports are cross country, fencing, Lower School football, swimming, track, trapshooting, and wrestling. Other teams require coach approval for participation. There is no requirement to join an athletic team.

• How does MUS create awareness among its students about the danger of drug and alcohol use?

  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. Our student-led Heartbeat organization promotes a lifestyle free of drug and alcohol use. Upper School students who pledge to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco meet with seventh graders several times a year, encouraging them to avoid using these substances during the critical teen years. Since research indicates that parents have the greatest influence on a boy's decision regarding drug and alcohol use, we promote the Safe Home Program, in conjunction with our Parents' Association, to encourage communication among parents about providing substance-free environments for students. 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.

• How is technology used with teaching, and do you require students to purchase laptops?

  The instruction and use of technology are integrated with academic learning and practically applied. Computers are readily accessible to students through multiple labs in our Lower School, Upper School, and library. Additionally, a large selection of equipment is available for student use. If students prefer to bring their own devices from home, they may connect to our Wi-Fi. We do not require families to go to the expense of purchasing a laptop.

• Does being a legacy factor into the application process?

  An applicant's legacy status is considered and may factor into the Admission Committee's decision. Sons, grandsons, brothers, and nephews of alumni are considered legacies. Regardless of legacy status, all applicants must be deemed academically capable of handling coursework at MUS before being admitted.