Memphis University School is a non-denominational and non-discriminatory college-preparatory day school for boys in Grades 7-12. With an enrollment of about 650 students, MUS offers a diverse and challenging curriculum that balances academics, athletics, and the arts while teaching the value of honor, integrity, and strength of character.
Academic Support
We know how to educate boys, and we give them the support, structure, and challenge they need to thrive.
- Our teachers care about the students, and they get to know them individually. Instructor schedules are structured so there is time to meet with students outside the classroom.
- Lower School students receive training and coaching in study skills.
- Boys can seek help in the Lower School English Lab and Math Lab.
- Peer Tutors are available to help students.
- We offer proctored after-school study sessions before exams.
- Free PSAT prep sessions prepare students for standardized testing.
- The Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center offers outstanding resources for academic assistance.
We have an active and vital community of over 4,500 alumni that supports the school and provides a network for career opportunities. As of June 2021, 505 Memphis-area alumni are corporate officers (presidents, vice presidents, CEOs, CFOs, or COOs) of various companies. Local alumni hold 651 seats on nonprofit boards.
AP and Honors Accelerated Courses
We offer over 20 different Advanced Placement courses for possible college credit. Historically, more than 90% of our students score a 3 or higher on AP examinations. We also offer 20 Honors Accelerated courses, designed to be equivalent in rigor to AP courses. In 2020 MUS had 65 Advanced Placement Scholars.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Fifteen Owls from the Class of 2021 have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their scores on the PSAT test, taken in their junior year.
Ten semifinalists were among the top 1% of students nationwide honored for outstanding academic promise, and all 10 advanced to Finalist status. They will compete for some 7,500 scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered in the spring.
Five seniors were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars, ranking them among the top 3-4% nationwide.
And two seniors were recognized by the National African American Recognition Program. (They were previously recognized by the NMSC.)
Campus
MUS is situated on 94 acres of wooded property in East Memphis.
Co-EDGE
MUS and the adjacent all-girl Hutchison School coordinate to offer joint academic, artistic, athletic, civic service, and leadership programs and activities.
College Admissions
We have a 100% college-acceptance rate. Two full-time directors of college counseling and two assistant directors assist students and families in the college preparation, selection, and application process. The Class of 2021 was accepted to 143 different schools in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
College Testing
Over the last three years, our mid-range SAT I scores and ACT composite scores have been approximately 35% above the national average. The average ACT score for the Class of 2021 was 29, and 50% of the class scored 30 or higher. The average SAT score was 1374.
Community Service
A student’s responsibility to society is a priority at MUS. The student-run, completely voluntary Civic Service Organization leads community service projects throughout the year.
Counseling Services
The Kemmons Wilson Leadership Development and Counseling Department promotes learning and facilitates the social, intellectual, and emotional development of our students. The counseling staff advises student organizations, administers various parent and student education programs, and addresses student concerns through personal guidance.
Faculty
The faculty challenges, inspires, and nurtures growing minds. About 70% hold a master’s degree or doctorate, and they average 25 years of teaching experience. Sixteen faculty and staff members are alumni.
Financial Aid
Approximately 35% of the student body receives some financial assistance totaling about $2.9 million. All financial aid at MUS is need-based.
Approximately 35% of the student body receives some financial assistance totaling about $2.9 million. All financial aid at MUS is need-based.
Funding
Tuition covers about 77% of the school’s operating costs, with the balance being met by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and endowments. During the past five years, we have received nearly $12 million in gifts for the operation of the school. MUS has a $51 million endowment fund that generates income used for scholarships, teacher salaries, and the general operations of the school.
History
The original MUS was founded in 1893 and closed in 1936 during the Great Depression. The present MUS was chartered in 1954 and opened for operation in 1955.
Honor Code
The student-run Honor Council helps to maintain the school’s motto Veritas Honorque – Truth and Honor – and does not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing.
Sports
The school has athletic teams in 14 interscholastic sports: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, trapshooting, and wrestling. About 80% of students participate on one or more teams.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio for classroom teachers is 7 to 1. Typical class size is 15 students.
Student Activities
MUS offers its students numerous extracurricular activities in such areas as government, publications, music, theater, athletics, honor societies, and more than two dozen clubs of popular interest.
List of 6 members.
Memphis University School
6191 Park Avenue | Memphis, TN 38119 | Main: (901) 260-1300