5 Essential Facts About Hillwood High School's Transformation Into James Lawson High School
The landscape of high school education in West Nashville underwent a monumental shift in the 2023-2024 school year, marking the end of an era for the iconic Hillwood High School. After decades of serving the community, the historic institution on Davidson Road was officially replaced by a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility with a powerful new namesake: James Lawson High School.
As of late 2025, the focus has completely shifted to the new $130 million campus in Bellevue, which now serves the former Hillwood High School student body. This transition is one of the most significant recent developments within the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) system, moving the Hilltoppers' legacy into a new generation under the banner of a revered Civil Rights icon.
The Life and Legacy of Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr.
The new school's name, James Lawson High School, is not merely a title—it is an intentional homage to one of the most pivotal, yet often unsung, figures of the American Civil Rights Movement. The decision ensures that the school’s mission is permanently tied to the principles of nonviolent direct action and social justice.
Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. (born 1928) was an American minister and leading theoretician of nonviolence, having studied the Gandhian tactics of nonviolent resistance extensively.
- Role in Civil Rights: Lawson served as a crucial mentor to the Nashville Student Movement during the 1960s.
- The Nashville Sit-Ins: He trained a generation of young activists, including figures like John Lewis, Diane Nash, and Marion Barry, in the tactics of nonviolent direct action that led to the successful desegregation of Nashville’s downtown lunch counters.
- Commitment to Peace: Lawson’s entire life and career were guided by a deep commitment to peace and justice in equal measure.
- Impact on Education: Naming the new facility after him is a profound statement by MNPS, linking the school’s identity to a legacy of moral courage, critical thinking, and peaceful change.
From Hillwood Hilltoppers to Lawson Lightning: The Major Transition
The transition from Hillwood High School (HHS) to James Lawson High School (JLHS) was a complex, multi-year project that culminated with the opening of the new facility for the 2023-2024 academic year. This move was far more than a simple name change; it was the establishment of a completely new, modern campus.
The End of the Davidson Road Era
The original Hillwood High School, located at 400 Davidson Road in Nashville, served the community for decades. Historically, Hillwood was recognized for its academic rigor, becoming one of the first IB World Schools in Tennessee in February 2004, offering the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
The school also cultivated notable alumni, including prominent figures like former NBC News anchor Brian Williams. Despite its legacy, the old facility faced challenges, and the school was eventually slated for replacement to better serve the growing West Nashville and Bellevue communities.
A New $130 Million Campus in Bellevue
The replacement facility, James Lawson High School, is a massive, modern structure designed to accommodate the needs of contemporary education. The 300,000-square-foot facility sits on a sprawling 274-acre site in the Bellevue neighborhood, replacing the former Hope Park Church location.
The new campus was intentionally designed to draw inspiration from the natural beauty and history of its locale, providing a fresh, expansive learning environment for up to 1,600 students.
Leadership, Academics, and the Four Career Academies
The new James Lawson High School is built around the nationally recognized "Academies of Nashville" model, a core structure within the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) system that prepares students for both college and career success. The school is led by its Executive Principal and a team of dedicated academy principals.
Current Leadership and Contact
The academic and administrative direction of the new school is helmed by Principal Dr. Stephen Sheaffer. Dr. Sheaffer guides the school's mission to uphold the legacy of its namesake while delivering a high-quality, personalized education.
The school’s focus is on providing a seamless transition for students, particularly those moving from middle school, through its dedicated Freshman Academy.
The Four Career Academies at JLHS
James Lawson High School is home to four distinct career academies, which allow students to choose a personalized learning pathway based on their interests and future goals. These academies provide real-world, hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn early college credit or industry certifications.
The four academies are:
- Academy of Art, Design, & Communication: This pathway focuses on creative and digital arts, including programs like Digital Arts & Design and Audio/Visual Production.
- Academy of Health Sciences: A rigorous pathway for students interested in medical and healthcare careers, offering courses such as Human Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology.
- Academy of Engineering & Manufacturing: Based on course offerings like Principles of Engineering, this academy provides technical skills in design, construction, and advanced manufacturing.
- Academy of Business & Finance: This academy prepares students for careers in finance, management, and entrepreneurship, often including courses in business management and accounting. (Note: While the full name is not always explicitly listed in a single source, the MNPS model universally employs four distinct career-focused academies, with this being the common fourth track.)
The Future of the Hillwood High School Alumni Community
While the physical building and name have changed, the spirit and community of the Hillwood High School Hilltoppers remain strong. The alumni community continues to be active, using dedicated websites and social channels to share news, organize reunions, and celebrate the school’s history.
The legacy of the former Hillwood High School is now interwoven with the mission of James Lawson High School. The new facility represents a significant investment by Metro Nashville Public Schools in the future of its students, combining the rich history of the area with a forward-looking, high-tech educational environment built on the principles of social justice and academic excellence.
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