Croft Middle School opened in the fall of 2003 on the Grassmere Zoo property. Its mission is linked to the Nashville Zoo, the Grassmere Historic Home, and the original vision of the Croft Sisters through its theme of Global Environmental Awareness.  As with all Metro schools, academic standards drive the Croft curriculum, but the environmental theme is incorporated throughout the school.

The front entrance to Croft Middle School features a distinctive curved colonnade.  Its uniqueness serves notice that within the school, students will encounter an innovative learning environment.  Inscribed on this arch is the following quotation by the African naturalist Baba Dioum:

                                "In the end, we will conserve only what we love;
                                        We will love only what we understand;
                                We will understand only what we are taught."

This quotation captures the essence of the vision for Croft Middle School.  Reinforcing this theme is the presence in the CMS lobby of a large statuary globe, live plants, and an illuminated photo wall.  We also boast four live animal habitats downstairs near the cafeteria. 

We are unique in the nation because of our emphasis on global environmental awareness along with our ties to the Nashville Zoo.  Because we are located adjacent to the Zoo, we have many opportunities for program collaboration.