For over half a century, Clarksville Academy has stood as a cornerstone of tradition and excellence in Montgomery County. This rich legacy has given rise to numerous cherished annual customs that continue to unite and inspire our community. Below, you will find a selection of these time-honored traditions. Should you have any questions or wish to learn more, we warmly invite you to contact us.
Senior Sunrise–
This annual event is the start of the school year for our Seniors. They experience their last sunrise for the first day of school. The entire Senior class takes part in this event, and it takes place at the CA Sports Complex.
Boo-Hoo Breakfast—The CAPA (Clarksville Academy’s Parent Association) warmly invites all parents and guardians of Pre-K and Kindergarten students to our beloved Annual Boo-Hoo Breakfast, held promptly at 8:00 a.m. on the first day of school.
After you have hugged your little one goodbye, join us in the library for a comforting gathering with fellow parents — because yes, they do grow up way too fast! Enjoy a light breakfast, heartfelt conversation, and, of course, tissues (we’ve got you covered).
Back to School Bash—Kick off the school year with excitement at our Back to School Bash, an annual tradition held during the first week of school and proudly sponsored by the CA Parent Association.
This fun-filled, family-friendly event is free for all families, welcoming students from Pre-K through 12th grade —along with parents and siblings-for an evening of celebration, connection, and community. Let’s make the start of the school year unforgettable!
Homecoming—This annual tradition is for students, families, and Alumni! Students in grades Pre-K through 12 participate in a week of fun, dress-up days, spirit competitions, door decoration, fence design, and color war contests. Students and families are invited to the sports complex for a bonfire on Thursday night and to the football game where the Homecoming Court is presented and the Homecoming Queen is crowned. The week ends with dances for the Middle and Upper School students. Homecoming is traditionally held at the end of September.
Cougar Classic—The Cougar Golf Classic is held in the summer. Proceeds from this event benefit the Cougar Club and athletics. Students, parents, alumni, and guests are encouraged to play in this 4-man scramble.
Tailgate Alley—All football home games kick off with the fun atmosphere of Tailgate Alley. This exciting pre-game activity is hosted by the Athletics office and encourages parents, students, families, and Cougar fans alike to take the time for fun and food prior to each home game.
First Grade Pet Show—A beloved tradition for over 30 years, the First Grade Pet Show invites our youngest students to share their favorite pet —whether live or stuffed —with the entire Lower School community. This heartwarming event encourages confidence in public speaking and is cherished by students and staff alike. Families, friends, and loved ones are warmly encouraged to attend and join in the fun!
Admissions Open House—Throughout the year, the Admissions Office hosts several Open House events designed to welcome prospective families into the life of our school. While guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., our signature Open House experiences offer a deeper, more immersive glimpse into our vibrant academic and community culture.
Veterans Day—Held annually on the day before Veterans Day, this powerful event features musical performances by our Lower School students, along with the Middle and Upper School Choirs.
Together, we honor the bravery and service of veterans through song, reflection, and heartfelt tribute.
Thanksgiving—Our cherished Thanksgiving Luncheon takes place on the Monday before the holiday. Families are invited to join their children for a traditional feast featuring turkey, dressing, cranberry salad, and pumpkin pie, among other seasonal favorites. This festive gathering is open to students and families from all grades.
Literacy Day—Held each December, Literacy Day is a school-wide celebration of storytelling and imagination.
Lower School students embark on a magical journey through a holiday-themed book as our library is transformed into a living storybook. Meanwhile, Middle and Upper School students present dramatic readings, musical performances, and other creative interpretations that bring the narrative to life.
Lower School Christmas Program—A joyful way to close out the semester, our annual Christmas Program takes place on the final Wednesday before Winter Break. Students from Pre-K through 4th grade shine on stage through singing, dancing, and speaking roles. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, this heartwarming performance is a highlight of the season and a cherished tradition for families and friends.
Q&U Wedding—Each spring, Kindergarten students celebrate the special bond between the letters Q and U in a whimsical joining of these two letter of our alphabet. Dressed as queens and quarterbacks, they are joined by our Pre-K students, who serve as flower girls and ring bearers. This playful, educational event reinforces phonics in a way that all Lower School students enjoy and remember.
Grandparents Day—Typically held in late March or early April, Grandparents Day is a heartfelt celebration honoring the cherished role grandparents play in our lives. Students in Pre-K through 4th grade spend weeks preparing musical performances and short presentations, which they proudly share on the gym stage. It is a special opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and love for our grandparents.
Steak Dinner—The Annual Steak Dinner, typically held in the late spring, is a long-standing tradition at Clarksville Academy. Proceeds from this annual event support the annual fund. Students in the Cougar Choir, Middle School Choir, and Show Choir perform a medley of songs and dance. This is CA’s signature event and one that students, families, and guests look forward to each year.
Clarksville Academy offers a variety of field trips that are outside of the normal school day. These begin in 4th grade. Each year, the trip becomes a little more involved, which helps our students to become more independent. The use of real-world experiences only strengthens what we teach in the classroom.
- Discovery Park—Students in 4th grade travel to Union City, TN, to visit Discovery Park. This trip emphasizes the student’s study of science, history, and STEM.
- Land Between the Lakes—Students in the 5th grade travel to Land Between the Lakes, in Stewart County to experience learning in an outdoor classroom. Students participate in hiking, canoeing, water, soil, and plant studies. This trip spans over three days and involves students spending the night in cabins on the property.
- Fall Creek Falls—Students in 6th grade travel to Fall Creek Falls State Park near Chattanooga, TN. Students spend 3 nights and 4 days experiencing a variety of activities, including hiking, canoeing, outdoor learning, and more.
- Washington D.C.—Every year, students in 8th grade travel to Washington D.C. to experience life in our nation’s capital. Students spend five nights and six days visiting national monuments, meeting members of Congress, and learning more about how our government works. This trip is one of the most looked forward to by all our students.
- Winterim–Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to learn more about their community and world during our one-week program, the first week of January. Students may choose to explore local or regional options, travel the US, or choose to take an adventure of a lifetime by traveling overseas.