Recognized for its attractive and unique two-story brick structure, W.A. Bass opened as West Nashville Junior High School in 1963 on a 10-acre farm that was the site of the Old Cockrill mansion. Five years later, the school changed its named to W.A. Bass Junior High School after William Arthur Bass, who had been the state commissioner of education as well as superintendent of the Nashville City School System.
Now the former middle school is known as
W.A. Bass Learning Center – three schools in one. The facility currently houses Bass Alternative Learning Center, Bass Adult High School, and Transitions at Bass.
“Bass Learning Center strives to provide individualized instruction and help to meet the unique needs of all our students,” Principal Dr. Henry Johnson says.
The Bass faculty and staff’s mission is to provide all students with an opportunity to change their lives and prepare for the future. Every Student Known is carried throughout W.A. Bass through the school’s C.A.R.E. Team Support Hub. C.A.R.E. means Career, Academics, Restorative, and Exposure.
In the C.A.R.E. Hub, every student goes through an intake process to have their educational needs and career goals assessed. During this process, parents also become part of the intake process through the Parent Promise. Parents are given the opportunity to make decisions for their child’s education plan and have an open line of communication with the school.
W.A. Bass also recognizes ‘A Student of the Month’ on its Sharing the Shine board. Students who have perfect attendance, bring their laptops to school, and are engaged in every class are celebrated and recognized on the board for their efforts and hard work.
“Here at Bass, we are aligning our mission with Dr. Battle’s,” assistant principal Dr. Stephen Williams said. “One vision, one voice, one victory!”
In honor of the school’s name, a tree was planted in William Arthur Bass’s honor. The tree still stands in the front courtyard of the school.
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