Metro Nashville Public Schools

A Personalized Education for Every Child

At Metro Nashville Public Schools, we use detailed academic, behavior and social-emotional information to ensure every student in the district is known, and our staff makes a collective effort to tune into students’ interests, passions, learning styles and needs. Offering a range of programs and opportunities, MNPS has options to fit every family’s needs. Whether you are looking for advanced academics, theme-based instruction or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs, we offer the most choices to meet individual student needs — starting at Pre-K all the way through graduation.

Ensuring Equity for All Students

Every student in every Nashville neighborhood should have the same access and opportunity to the high-quality education they deserve. Because we work diligently to know every student, we can identify disparities and remove systemic barriers to their success. These efforts help us foster an inclusive school system, while creating an equitable education for our students.

Early Learning

Metro Schools offers a nationally recognized Pre-K program where students focus on developing the skills they’ll need to succeed in elementary school and beyond. Families can apply to one of our four Early Learning Centers, one of our many growing school-based classrooms or our two Montessori programs. Studies show children in Pre-K develop literacy, language and math skills faster than their peers – and the benefits of Pre-K impact children into their teen and adult years.


Middle Schools

The middle school years are a time of great change for students developmentally, socially and academically. Metro Schools creates caring school environments that reflect the unique needs of our middle school students and appropriately responds to those needs while preparing students for high school. All middle school students explore and cultivate their interests through experiences in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies while developing an understanding of personal and social responsibility as members of a community. Every 8th grade student develops a transition plan to prepare them for successful transition to high school, including both academic and SEL goals.

High Schools

Metro Schools students have many opportunities available to them to learn, explore interests and prepare for college or a career. Some classes and programs our high schools offer, which are part of our district’s Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs), include:

• Rigorous advanced academics courses
• Industry credential certifications
• Dual enrollment and/or college credit

MNPS guarantees every high school student the opportunity to participate in at least four EPSOs to be a Ready Graduate, defined by the state as developing the knowledge and skills for success in college, the workforce or military service.

Academies of Nashville

The Academies of Nashville, Metro Schools’ learning community program in our 12 zoned high schools, is recognized as one of the nation’s best college and career prep programs. Our 35 different academies—covering interesting, high-demand industries like health care, hospitality, tech, media and engineering—give students the opportunity to take their learning out of the classroom and into the real world, creating their own learning experience and empowering them to make informed decisions after graduation.

Early College High School

Students can fast track their college plans or begin building a career by simultaneously earning a high school diploma and college associate degree in just four years—and at no cost to families. Two MNPS schools offer an early college program: Early College High School, located on the campus of Nashville State Community College, and Early College at Whites Creek High School.

More to Learn, More to Do

AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), works to raise students’ expectations of themselves by establishing a college-going culture and helping students see what’s possible after high school. AVID is now in place in 60 MNPS schools, from elementary through high.

Visual & Performing Arts

True to our Music City roots, the arts are an important focus in all grade levels. Our students participate in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts in our neighborhood schools throughout Nashville. These programs, including our thriving Music Makes Us program, receive support from the local music industry and valuable business partnerships.

Robotics & STEAM

Schools across the district focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) instruction. Students are challenged to think critically, be creative, communicate and collaborate with their peers. Students learn how their specific skills fit into our complex world and have access to the technology, computer science and advanced academics they need to prepare and challenge them for whatever future they imagine.

Athletics

Our athletic programs focus not only on physical health, but also provide student athletes with opportunities to develop higher standards of mental, moral, social and physical fitness through participation in extracurricular athletic programs. There are 14 TSSAA-sanctioned sports available in our high schools, while middle school students have seven different sports, sanctioned by the middle school athletics association.

Supporting Students and Families

MNPS works with partners throughout Nashville to offer a wide range of programs and services to ensure students are fully supported, in and out of the classroom. If you or your student seek services, have questions or need help, you will find a lengthy list of services—from before and after-care to meals and transportation—plus community-based services, on mnps.org.