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.
It’s time to sign up for the Lower School swim team. Lower school students interested in swimming for MUS this season, contact Coach David Ferebee to sign up.
The College Counseling team provides sophomores and juniors with an online account with Applerouth, an Atlanta-based test-prep company. Students should use the skill-building modules and practice exams as they prepare for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT exams.
Upper School families, we are excited to invite you to be a part of our Upper School International Fair, set for Friday, November 22, 10-10:40 a.m., in the Campus Center Dining Hall!
Ten seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 70th National Merit Scholarship Program, indicating their 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores rank in the top 1% nationwide.
Alcy Ball Development Corporation Executive Director Seth Harkins spoke in chapel about his work in the Alcy Ball neighborhood of South Memphis. ABDC’s mission is to “develop a thriving, resident-led community reflecting the Kingdom of God, through the following programs: Connect, Train, Restore.”
The Memphis University School community gathered September 6 to celebrate as Stokes stadium was renamed Stokes-Alston Stadium in honor of Bobby Alston, longtime football and track head coach and athletic director.
TEDxMemphis: the miXtape will be turning up the volume to amplify big ideas in Hyde Chapel on Saturday, September 28. This year's TEDx Talks are brimming with ideas that will feed your curiosity, challenge your perceptions, and offer a one-of-a-kind, live-event experience.
Headmaster Pete Sanders highlighted school mottos for a chapel presentation, weaving in the history, founders, and character of remarkable institutions.
The Athletics Department is excited to announce a new program! Student-athletes can make appointments with the athletic training staff for treatment, rehab, or evaluations.
We recently learned that Dhilan Madasu ’27 received a perfect score on the 2024 National Spanish Examination in Level 1. He is one of 403 students in the country to earn a perfect score, and one of only six in Tennessee. ¡Felicidades, Dhilan!
In addition to being Parent Back-to-School-Day, September 11 is also Service Day for MUS students. The Civic Service Organization is hosting volunteer opportunities for groups of Lower School and Upper School students at nonprofit organizations across the city.
Please be on the lookout for emails from the coaches in the coming weeks with information on how to create your family accounts in our new communication software, Praxis. This software will slowly take the place of BrightArrow with respect to all athletics communication.
Eight Owls have been named in the College Board’s National Recognition Program. The program highlights the academic achievements of rural area/small town, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and (new in 2024) first-generation students.
Multipurpose U Cards have been issued to all students. They are used for opening locked doors during school hours, accessing copy accounts, checking out library books, as well as for gaining admission to home athletic events. Students should always keep their cards with them, and there will be periodic checks to ensure possession.
Headmaster Pete Sanders wants our home city to be a focus for Owls this school year, so he enlisted Bill Dunavant ’78, chair the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, to speak at the first chapel assembly August 16.
All Owls interested in joining the fencing team – now’s the time to sign up! Interested students may contact Coach Sergey Petrosyan and/or Coach Kaitlan Koehler for questions or to sign up.
Faculty and students gathered in Hyde Chapel August 12 for Opening Convocation to launch the 2024-25 school year and celebrate the principles that distinguish Memphis University School. Headmaster Pete Sanders reaffirmed the Mission Statement, defining MUS as a school for boys that focuses on academic excellence, service, and character.
The existing cell phone policy will be strictly enforced during the 2024-25 school year. There are no “safe zones” for using a cellular device during the school day.
Owl Passes are available for purchase! Offering admission to all regular-season home games during the 2024-25 academic year, these mobile passes cost $115 each.
MUS will sponsor three Lower School competitive basketball teams (one for each grade) this year! Tryouts for all three teams are scheduled for Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2.
TEDxMemphis 2024 will come to life in Hyde Chapel on September 28, thanks to a long-standing partnership between New Memphis and the MUS students and faculty who power the conference as volunteers.
Nine Latin scholars represented MUS at the National Junior Classical League Convention at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville July 22-27 and came away with a first-place award in Intermediate Certamen, third in Novice Certamen, and third in Large State Roll Call. Participants were Brian Ding ’24, Will Gramm ’24, Parth Patel ’24, Joephen Chen ’25, Kushal Patel ’25, Ari Thiyagarajaa ’26, Albert Ding ’26, Joseph Gramm ’26, and Lucas Zhang ’26.
Eleven math scholars traveled to the National Mu Alpha Theta Convention in Las Vegas where they competed with teams from across the country, finishing fourth in the Interschool Competition.
Our At-a-Glance calendar is a great place to get an overview of the year. Click HERE to view it online. PDFs of important start-of-school dates by grade level are on the parent Resource Boards and can be viewed or downloaded HERE.
Have you completed your summer reading and math assignments? Summer work helps the student begin the school year on the right foot – and reading-test results have a significant impact on first quarter grades!
Book Sale by grade level is August 6-9 in Ross Lynn Arena where student class schedules will be distributed. Through our book rental program, we will provide each student with one set of their required books for the year for an $90 fee (charged to the student school account).
The first day of school is Monday, August 12. In keeping with tradition, the day will start with Convocation in Hyde Chapel at 8:30 a.m. (Students should report to their homerooms by 8:10 a.m.) Required dress is coat and tie, and ALL grooming rules apply.
Sodexo provides our breakfast and lunch service. Fall semester meal plans are available for purchase through the Dining Hall Resource Board. Log in to OwlHub and click on Resources to see the resource board.
After pick-up and drop-off times, everyone must enter the campus through the Primacy Parkway gate at 1350 Ridgeway Road. Read important instructions about driving, parking, school drop-off and pick-up locations, and more on the Driving, Parking Resource Board in OwlHub.
OwlHub is where you access all school events, news, instructions, and resources. THIS document provides an overview of key areas to help you get started.
After pick-up and drop-off times, everyone must enter the campus through the Primacy Parkway gate at 1350 Ridgeway Road. Read important instructions about driving, parking, school drop-off and pick-up locations, decals, and more on the Driving, Parking Resource Board in OwlHub.
Every student must have a U Card (student photo ID card) that he uses throughout the year as a building entry key, a copier login key, identification for lunch, a library book checkout card, and an admission card for free regular-season home athletic contests.
Newly appointed Memphis University School Baseball Head Coach Blake Bennett, MUS Class of 2014, stopped by the donor recognition wall at the school’s Thorn Field to point out his father’s plaque. David L. Bennett, Jr. died January 7, 2013, following a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and the 2013 Owl baseball team dedicated the plaque in memory of the standout pitcher’s dad.
Memphis University School Director of Athletics Thad McCracken has announced the appointment of Drew Hinote as head coach of the cross-country and track programs.
When classmates described Parker Blackwell last spring, the word “brilliant” frequently came up. They knew then he was destined to become the Memphis University School class valedictorian. In addition to his intellect, Blackwell is revered as honorable, hardworking, and kind.
MUS Salutatorian Alan Zhou is a scholar distinguished by a spirit of adventure. His restless energy for learning extended beyond the classroom and the lab to include additional work in probability, proofs, and problem solving. He likens learning new material to participating in a sport. Motivated by competition, he scored in the top 5% in the American Math Competition and contributed to the school’s state Mu Alpha Theta title.
Chi Alpha Mu, the national junior mathematics club for middle and junior high school students, inducted 25 new members on May 14. The club, named for Creative Adventures in Mathematics, was founded in 1967 and reactivated by the high school math society, Mu Alpha Theta, in 2008 to promote enjoyment and understanding of mathematics by middle school students.
Once the school year has ended May 31, and summer sessions have begun, families will need to follow these steps to access grades. Email Registrar Pam Haney if you need additional assistance.
Headmaster Pete Sanders awarded Mathematics Instructor Mike Gunn the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award, given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence.
Faculty and families celebrated nine eighth-grade Springfield Scholars inductees during a banquet May 9. These students are in the top 10% of their class and demonstrate character consistent with the high standards of the school’s Honor Code and Community Creed.
Teams and families celebrated 2023-24 achievements at the Jake Rudolph All-Sports Awards ceremony April 29. Eighty-four seniors received varsity-letter plaques celebrating their careers at MUS while 274 total students received letters in their sports.
Citing his 41 years of extraordinary service to his alma mater, Headmaster Pete Sanders presented Academic Dean Flip Eikner with the 2024 Jean Barbee Hale Award for Outstanding Service. Faculty members gathered for the monthly meeting rose in spontaneous cheers and applause.
It is hard to believe, but it is time for the Class of 2025 to have senior portraits taken. Families should call Holland Studio at (901) 362-1818 now to set up the appointment.
The MUS quiz bowl team competed in the 3-2-1 Competition and came in first in the state of Tennessee and first in the nation (out of 102 schools). They answered 78% of the 240 online questions correctly for a total of 365 points.
Class of 2024 family members joined students and faculty in Hyde Chapel on April 24 for the Senior Academic Awards program. Faculty presented the awards while praising each student for his accomplishments.
Rising sophomores and juniors should take advantage of the new AP History prep classes beginning July 15 or July 22! These one-week courses introduce the AP exam format and hone testing skills. Get your AP European History assignments finished early! The first session focuses on the Renaissance, and the second session reviews the Reformation.
Bubones competed at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention and finished first overall for the 15th consecutive time. Held at the University of Memphis April 19-20, the competition drew 358 students from 21 schools across the state who competed in myriad academic and creative events involving the Latin language and Roman life and history.
Talented musicians from the Class of 2024 performed in the inaugural senior recital April 21 in Hyde Chapel. The concert featured solo performances by Joel Lim on oboe, Dannie Dong on piano, and Gabe Chen on violin.
Ideal for boys in rising Grades 3-7, this summer art camp runs Monday-Thursday, June 17-20, from 1-4 p.m. Sign up today for this fun and creative camp covering the basics of drawing and painting robots.
Memphis City Council Member Chase Carlisle ’03 presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award to 27 Owls at the Special Awards and Honor Societies Induction ceremony in Hyde Chapel April 17.
Ten Owls from the Class of 2024 received 29 regional honors for their writing in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Jerry Xiao earned seven Gold Keys, the top honor, and Gabe Chen also received a Gold Key. Their work automatically advances to the national level of judging in New York City. National Medalists will be announced June 11.
Six Owls earned prizes in the 2024 Vergilian Society Keely Lake Memorial Translation Exam. The contest consists of translating a passage from the writings of Vergil along with a short answer portion. This is the first time the Latin Department participated in the contest.
Ammar Duldul ’25 has received the state HOSA Bronze Level Barbara James Service Award in recognition of 130 hours he has volunteered in health-related community service activities.
Thirty-four Owls traveled to Nashville to participate in the YMCA Youth-in-Government Tristar Conference held April 11-14 in the State Capitol, and 17 brought home awards or honors.
Thirty-five mathletes competed in the local Tennessee Math Teachers Association contest on April 2 at Southwest Tennessee Community College, and Owls took 13 of the 18 awards.
In this evening, co-ed course about making sensible life choices and harnessing the power of compound interest, students learn how to build wealth and change their financial family trees forever!
Summer swings into motion with Baseball Camp running May 28-30! Boys in rising grades 3-8 will work on throwing mechanics, pitching fundamentals, defensive skills, swing development, and base running. The camp includes a free camp T-shirt. Get your summer started with Head Baseball Coach John Jarnagin and this three-day camp dedicated to America’s national pastime!
Twenty-three Owl mathletes traveled to Oak Ridge High School April 5-6 for the Mu Alpha Theta State Convention and came away the Overall Sweepstakes winner for the second year in a row!
A contingent of 13 Owl Latin students left the University of Memphis Language Fair victorious in both the team and individual competitions on Saturday, April 6.
Classical and Modern Languages Chair Ryan Sellers has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to participate in a summer institute examining the ancient Olympic Games.
Seniors, from left, Eshaan Patnaik (clarinet), Alan Zhou (flute), and Joel Lim (oboe) competed recently in the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Competition. They won the ensemble portion qualifying to represent MUS and the West Tennessee District for the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Honors Recital at the Tennessee Music Education Association All-State Conference April 10-13.
Headmaster Pete Sanders has announced the selection of Science Department Chair Lee Loden as the Ruth McCaughan Morrison Chair of Science. Since arriving at MUS in 2011, Loden has taught Honors Physics and Honors Physics II: Robotics, and he leads an extracurricular robotics program.
Upper School parents are encouraged to attend an MUS/Hutchison College Admission Panel on Wednesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m., in Wiener Theater at Hutchison School.
The math modeling team of seniors Evan Wu (captain), Bryan Ding, Eshaan Patnaik, Jerry Xiao, and junior Alan Cheng have advanced in two competitions, including as finalists in The Actuarial Foundation’s Modeling the Future contest. Their project, “Brighten the Future: Restoring Power to the United States” was among only 15 nationwide selected to advance to the finals.
Once again, we are using FACTS Tuition Management to process billing and collection for 2024-25 tuition payments and incidental charges (book rental, athletic fees, school trips, etc.).
Memphis City Councilman Chase Carlisle ’03 took the Hyde Chapel stage to present Coach Glenn Rogers, Jr. with a resolution in honor of his induction into the 2023 University of Memphis M Club Hall of Fame.
Headmaster Pete Sanders announces the appointment of Thad McCracken as athletic director. McCracken comes from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he has served as assistant athletic director since 2011 and men’s basketball head coach since 2010. He will join the faculty later this spring.
In celebration of Black History Month, junior Tyler Edmundson delved into the background of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike and noted that the city is filled with history and historical sites.
Twelve students participated in the 2024 WordSmith Olympics February 25 at the University of Memphis, led by Instructor in English Eric Dalle ’93. Among the awardees, seventh grader Gus Williams and senior Jerry Xiao each placed second in the 40-word dash in their age groups.
The Memphis University School chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted 26 members from the classes of 2024 and 2025 during a ceremony February 23. Membership in the Cum Laude Society is the highest academic honor students in a secondary school can receive. The MUS chapter, modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, was chartered on December 14, 1967.
Senior Makhi Shaw made a presentation in chapel about Tom Lee, whose heroism in 1925 was memorialized with the dedication of Tom Lee Park along the Memphis riverbank in 1954.
Junior Chrishton King took a historical look at the Orange Mound neighborhood in a chapel presentation to examine the question, “Is the sense of community still there?”
King described Orange Mound as “the epitome of black achievement” after the subdivision was created in the 1890s.
Mrs. Jennifer M. Collins, the 21st president of Rhodes College, spoke to the MUS community today, noting the strong connection between the two schools, including nine faculty alumni and 15 students currently enrolled at the Memphis liberal arts school. She told how Halliburton Tower on the Rhodes campus, where her office is located, is named for world adventurer and writer Richard Halliburton, MUS Class of 1915.
Know any shy students who would benefit from participating in Bridges USA - Bridge Builders Youth Program? Consider nominating them. Application deadline is April 19.
The MUS robotics program hosted its inaugural VEX Robotics Competition in Todd-Snowden Gym February 10, welcoming 28 teams comprising middle and high school students from across West Tennessee.
The Owls math squad finished third out of 12 teams in this year’s MathCounts regional team competition. Gus Williams ’28 qualified for the state tournament with his individual score while Joseph Zhao ’28 placed first in the head-to-head competition of the Math Countdown Round.
Eight math scholars qualified to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination II February 9. Pictured just before they began the three-hour, 15-question test are, from left, Alan Cheng ’25, Bryan Ding ’24, Jerry Xiao ’24, Parth Patel ’24, Alan Zhou ’24, Oscar Liu ’25, Albert Ding ’26, and Dannie Dong ’24.
Dr. Anthony Bradley visited MUS as the guest speaker of the 25th Metcalf Symposium. Bradley spoke to fathers, mentors, and sons on masculinity, boyhood, and growing up during his evening session February 8. He returned to campus February 9 to address the MUS community in Hyde Chapel, encouraging the boys to ask the question, “Who is it that God made me to be?”
Executive Director of Families Matter Carol Jackson spoke in chapel about the work of the faith-based nonprofit to strengthen marriages, fathers, and families. This was the first of our Black History Month presentations.
MUS Headmaster Peter D. Sanders announces the appointment of 18-year MUS defensive coordinator Mark Chubb as the school’s varsity football head coach after an extensive search. He will assume the role immediately.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your sons. Your support of our teachers, coaches, and programs helps us uphold a liberal arts tradition designed to meet the needs of boys as they grow into young men of character, service, and leadership.
As you previously signed a contract, you need only complete a few steps and pay the deposit by Friday, February 2, 2024, to reserve your spot(s) for next year. After February 3 the deposit increases by $100. Your re-enrollment will be considered binding on May 1, 2024. See instructions HERE.
Glenn Breazeale of Alpine Camp for Boys in Mentone, Alabama, spoke with seventh and eighth graders during Manhood Breakfast January 26. Breazeale, co-director of the camp with his wife, Carter, got the boys going with a game of rock, paper, scissors but with a twist: cheering on each winner until one remained. Then he directed the guys to pair up and talk about their physical scars or injuries.
In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), Ms. Ida Notowitz Eleazer spoke in chapel about the experiences of her late father, Mr. Max Notowitz, in Poland during WWII, including time spent in forced labor and as an escapee before he was liberated at war’s end. His family was killed by the time he was 14, but he survived the labor camp and hiding in the woods for 21 months. After coming to America, he eventually settled in Memphis.
All are welcome to come, even if you have not had a chance to purchase or read the book, "Erasing the Finish Line" by Ana Homayoun. Your perspective, insight, and questions will be valued throughout our conversations. Come join us in the Wiener Hospitality Room!
Twenty-eight musicians earned chairs in All-West Tennessee bands and orchestras, and five received alternate status. In addition, a record 12 students qualified for All-State honors, six in orchestra and six in band.
The West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, an affiliate of the National Association for Music Education, hosted auditions for bands January 13 and orchestras November 18. During the weekend of February 8-10, students receiving All-West honors will attend a clinic at the Memphis Convention Center and perform in a concert at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.
Herbert Hilliard – a man who has seen success on the basketball court, in the business world, and in community involvement – took the Hyde Chapel stage to urge Owls to find their purpose.
The bowling team defeated Harding Academy, 24-3, at Billy Hardwick’s All-Star Lanes on January 4 to finish region runner-up and clinch its first appearance in the TSSAA tournament since 2017.
If weather conditions require us to close school or change school hours, we will notify you via email, phone message, and/or text (per the contact instructions you have already provided). In addition, we will post it on our website, in social media, and through local news stations.
Evan Wu ’24 is one of 300 scholars named in the 83rd Regeneron Science Talent Search, a prestigious national science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. He is the only scholar from Tennessee.
Mr. Edward Felsenthal ’84, executive chairman of TIME and senior advisor, Office of the CEO, at Salesforce, spoke in Hyde Chapel as the 2024 Rogers Leadership Forum guest.