Hume-Fogg High School

The Hume-Fogg High School page is where alumni and community members celebrate Hume Fogg Hi

Nashville's first public school, Hume High School, opened in 1855 at the corner of Eighth Avenue (Spruce Street) and Broad. In 1875, the second public school, Fogg High School, was started on the same property facing Broad Street. The schools were combined into a new facility on the same site in 1912 and became known as Hume-Fogg High School. In 1919 Hume-Fogg became the first school in Tennessee

to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Until 1940, the curriculum followed the classic format which included requirements in Latin, English, advanced mathematics and science. In 1953, the curriculum was changed to include technical and vocational subjects. The advent of the first secondary magnet school to serve Nashville's academically talented students was another milestone for Hume-Fogg. As part of a desegregation court order, the school was designed to attract a voluntary cross-section of academically able students from all racial, ethnic, and economic groups in Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. It began with grades 9 and 10, added one grade per year through the 1985-86 school year and graduated the first class in 1986. Philosophy

The Hume-Fogg community, which draws its population from the entire Metropolitan area, is committed to meeting academic needs and to providing opportunities for personal development. Shared expectations foster a love of learning and nurture growth. The program provides high academic standards through challenging course work. Cornerstones of this philosophy, based on the assumption that graduates will pursue post-secondary education, are creative thinking, abstract reasoning, cooperative learning, and self-discipline. The program encourages the development of integrity, decision-making skills, and in-depth pursuit of interests. This approach encompasses a commitment to maximizing individual potential, including emotional and physical well being, through hard work and personal responsibility while promoting sensitivity to natural, social and cultural environments. Profile

The 848 students attending Hume-Fogg were selected county-wide from students with total reading and mathematics stanine scores each averaging 7 or above and an academic grade point average of at least 85 (B) with no failing grades. Sixty-six percent of students who apply as eighth graders are admitted to the school. Hume-Fogg students come from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Students represent 39 of 45 zip code areas in the Metropolitan area. Hume-Fogg has 44 faculty members; of these, 39 hold an advanced degree.

05/29/2026

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Cáceres as our new Executive Principal. Dr. Erin Cáceres most recently served as assistant principal at Centennial High School in Williamson County and brings 22 years of experience in secondary education, including roles as a Spanish teacher and outreach and engagement coordinator. She holds doctorate and educational specialist degrees from Lipscomb University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. Welcome to the HFA Family!

05/24/2026

Congratulations to our very own, Amanda Smithfield, for winning the Intellectual Freedom Award! The Intellectual Freedom Award is for the contribution of an individual or group who has actively promoted intellectual freedom in Tennessee. Congratulations, Mrs. Smithfield!

05/23/2026

It is with sincere appreciation and celebration that we honor the retirement of two extraordinary leaders who have shaped the heart and spirit of Hume-Fogg Academic High School.

Dr. Kellie Hargis has dedicated 17 years to HFA—three as assistant principal and the past 14 as executive principal. At Hume-Fogg—known to us as “The Castle”—her leadership has always been rooted in her simple but powerful motto: “Blue Knights, Be Kind” (BKBK). That message became more than words—it became part of who we are as a school community.

Dr. Lisa Bonelli has given 13 incredible years to Hume-Fogg, leading with kindness, compassion, and a deep care for students and faculty. We will especially miss seeing her at the front doors each morning, greeting everyone with music and a presence that set the tone for the day.

Within The Castle, Dr. Hargis and Dr. Bonelli have led with integrity, compassion, and heart. Their kindness and leadership have been truly outstanding, and their impact on HFA will be felt for generations.

They will both be missed more than words can express—but their legacy will forever remain a part of Hume-Fogg.

We wish you both a joyful, restful, and well-deserved retirement. Thank you for everything you have given to HFA. 💙 BKBK

05/20/2026

The softball team wrapped up the season with a loss in regionals. Coach List would like to thank the players for their hard work and the parents and staff for all their support!