Montgomery Bell Academy history

In the fall of 1900, MBA's football team posted a 4-2-0 record and won the city championship.

In the fall of 1915 MBA purchased 31.66 acres at a site conspicuous from Harding Road, being on a hill.

In the fall of 1921, MBA had 141 students registered, including 25 on scholarships.

The William Martin Athletic Award was established in 1923 and presented at commencement to a student who displayed exemplary character and a reasonable balance in classroom and athletic achievements.

In school year 1939-40, MBA educated 103 students in three buildings.

The first issue of The Bell Ringer, given its name by teacher James Rule, was first published in 1944.

The first art exhibit was held in April of 1966 in Wallace Hall, featuring oil paintings, drawings, watercolors, and sculpture.

A 1970 graduate of MBA, Frist was editor of the yearbook; president of the senior class, Totomoi honor society, and the Honor Council; and winner of math and debate medals.

Francis Carter, who served as headmaster until 1978, was charged by the board to run MBA as a school of high scholarship, but with a southern twist.

In 1980, the headmaster Michael Drake told a newspaper "Every time the court rules in the Metro desegregation case, our enrollment goes way up."

Doctor Cal Fuller became director of the theater program in 1997.

The new 35,000 square foot Ingram Science Building welcomed students when MBA opened for its 133rd year in the fall of 1999.