# Merrol Hyde Magnet School

Merrol Hyde Magnet School (MHMS) is a K–12 school in Hendersonville, Tennessee adhering to the Paideia philosophy and administered by the Sumner County Board of Education. It is the only magnet school in Sumner County. The school's motto is "Mandatus ad virtutem," or "Committed to excellence."

## History

MHMS was established in 2003. The school is named after Merrol N. Hyde, a local resident and Sumner County Commissioner. The school served grades 5–9 in its first school year. The second school year, 2004–05, the school had students in grades K–10 with the addition of a new elementary wing. The 2005–06 school year served grades K–11. The 2006–07 school year brought the first ever graduating class of MHMS. There were 57 college-bound graduates in the class of 2007. In 2013, Vice Principal Betty Hunter was replaced by Jason Bennett. Principal Brad Schreiner was replaced in 2014 by Todd Stinson. Darren Frank has served as the principal since 2016.
On May 9, 2018, a chemical flash fire injured seventeen students and a teacher. The fire was caused by a reaction between Borax and ethanol. Eight students and the teacher were treated in local hospitals, but no critical injuries were reported. Two separate lawsuits were filed against the school district, citing negligence.
In April 2020, Merrol Hyde was ranked third in the nation on an academic basis by US News. This is its highest rank-based achievement to date. The ranking was awarded based on high college readiness, high math and reading proficiency, a consistent 100% graduation rate, and student performance on standardized tests, including AP, ACT, and SAT scores.

## Admittance

Once an application is submitted, the prospective student is administered a standardized test. In order to be admitted into the school, the student must score in the 85th percentile or greater. Next, the student is placed on a waiting list, which prioritizes students who have siblings already attending the school.

## Academics

Merrol Hyde is dedicated to helping its students grow through the Paideia philosophy. In the school's first twelve graduating classes, it has had multiple students obtain perfect ACT scores, finalist status in prestigious academic programs such as the National Merit Scholarship Program and the Presidential Scholars Program. The school has also produced several nationally ranked BEST Robotics, DECA, quiz bowl, and history bowl teams. Each year, the school participates in the Model United Nations and Tennessee Youth in Government youth civic engagement programs.

### Clubs and activities

Merrol Hyde offers numerous clubs, activities, and student organizations. Among these are its band, pep band, and jazz ensemble, as well as DECA participation, a government club, a student council, a culinary club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, a math team, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Med-Connect. The school offers a yearbook club and a student-written circulated newspaper known as The Talon.
High school students participate in "Pillar Competitions" known as the Panhellenic Cup, which are games and tournaments between four student-led teams.

## Athletics

TSSAA sports include track, cross country, golf, tennis, soccer, football (varsity joins with Station Camp High School), basketball, swimming, volleyball, bowling. The school also offers archery, cheer-leading, dance team, cycling, and a personal fitness club. Each student in grades 7-12 is required to participate in a sport each year.

## Dress code

Apart from other Sumner County Schools, Merrol Hyde Magnet School adheres to a strict dress code. Grades K–12 must wear specific style numbers of a very limited selection of garments from Lands' End, French Toast, or Parker School Uniforms. Logo hoodies, athletic wear, and pullovers may only be purchased from the "Hawk Shop." No non-dress code outerwear may be worn in the building during the day. Girls may not wear skirts that end more than 3 inches from the bend in the back of the knee. Other elements of the dress code include a requirement of belts, a ban on shoes without backs in the middle school.