Education that lasts a lifetime. Founded in 1870, The Webb School in historic Bell Buckle reflects many achievements. Started by renowned educator and former U.S. Sen. William Robert "Sawney" Webb, it's the South’s oldest continuously operating co-ed boarding school, with approximately 350 students in grades 6-12 hailing from more than a dozen domestic states and 20 countries, all on a 150-acre campus.
The senator's brother, John Maurice Webb, joined the school as co-principal, creating a significant educational institution quickly known for its discipline and high standards. The school also became recognized for its rigorous academics, strong moral values and producing many successful alumni, including Rhodes Scholars.
The school originally was launched in Culleoka, then relocated to Bell Buckle during 1886.
A new historical moment was made during July 2025 when Polly Parker, Ph.D., became The Webb School's 14th and first female head of school in the institution's 156-year history. She says, "I'm continually inspired by the sense of purpose and community that define this remarkable place. Webb is more than a school. It's a living tradition, carried forward each day by our students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents."
Her career includes strengthening boarding schools, fostering inclusive communities and promoting student-centered programming. She says her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, transparency and continuous improvement.
Under Polly's leadership, The Webb School staff announced new signature programs in Leadership, Computer Science and Interactive Media, as well as Health and Human Performance; partnered with the Tennessee Flight School to allow students interested in aviation to pursue their pilot’s license while enrolled at Webb; and launched an exclusive partnership with Blue Ivy Coaching to help Webb students in grades 9-12 navigate the college search and admissions process in a more personalized manner. Webb, which offers a 25:1 student-to-counselor ratio, is the only Tennessee school to collaborate with Blue Ivy.
The school boasts strong ties to the Murfreesboro community, offering two bus routes to northern and southern Murfreesboro, as 31% of the day student population is from Murfreesboro.
"At Webb, students are part of a global community that celebrates and values each other’s unique perspectives, values and cultural differences. Living and learning with classmates from different backgrounds and cultures helps our students develop a better understanding of others and themselves and strengthens their ability to communicate, collaborate and lead," assures Polly.
During October 2025, The Webb School was named the Best Private School in the local 31st Annual Ruthie's Community Choice Awards. “We're honored to receive this recognition from our community. We're grateful to all who voted and for their continued belief in our mission," says Polly.
As a college-prep institution, The Webb School team will host an admissions open house on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 1–3:30 p.m.
931.389.6003
TheWebbSchool.com
“The Webb School has a storied legacy of academic excellence and character-based education. I'm continually inspired by the sense of purpose and community that define this remarkable place. Webb is more than a school; it's a living tradition," says Head of School Polly Parker, Ph.D.