English Learners Registration

How to Register an English Learner Student

If English is not the first language for you and your family, your child should be enrolled through the Office of English Learners. During the enrollment, your child will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for English Learner services.

Your child can be assessed and registered for school in person at several locations.

Female student in EL office

In-Person Registration for EL Students

The registration and assessment process for families with Non-English Language Background, also known as NELB, takes place in one of four EL Student Registration and Assessment Centers.

Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

The following sites are by appointment only:

 

Call or Email for Registration Help

If a language other than English is spoken at home and you need an appointment, call 615-259-8608 or email English Learners Registration for an appointment.

Once your child has been registered for the EL program, your entire family will be eligible to participate in the wide variety of programs we offer to EL families.

Registration Requirements

Bring the following to your appointment:

  • Student's proof of birth (birth certificate, I-94, passport, visa)

  • Immunization record on TN Format.

  • Student's current physical examination performed in the U.S. that is less than a (1) year old.

  • Proof of residence in parent/guardian name, dated within the past 30 days (Utility bill or lease agreement, mortgage statement, etc.)

  • One parent/legal guardian must be present with picture ID.

  • Information regarding previous Special Education services, if applicable.

  • School transcripts if available.

What to Expect at Registration 

  • Plan to be in the office for 1-1.5 hours (per student) to complete the testing and registration process. In special cases, the process may take longer, so plan your schedule accordingly. The reception area is small and needs to be quiet for testing. Please limit the number of family members you bring to the appointment.

  • Staff will make copies of necessary documents for school.

  • Staff will interview the parent(s) regarding the student's previous education.

  • Your child will be given an English proficiency test in writing, reading, speaking, and comprehension.

  • If necessary, you will be offered English Learner Services for your child.

  • You will be given information about the school to which your child will be assigned based on the family's address.

Registration requirements translated: Arabic | Somali | Nepali

  

Required Home Language Survey

Parents or legal guardians must, by federal law, complete the Home Language Survey to determine the eligibility of EL services.

A parent/guardian must complete a home language survey when the student first enters MNPS. The form must be completed in its entirety, signed, and dated. If the first three questions of the survey indicate the student speaks another language or that another language is spoken at home, the parent/guardian should make an appointment with the International Student Registration Center at the EL Office by calling (615) 259-8608.

Then, based on the information provided in this survey, we will determine if the student needs to be assessed for English language proficiency.

Students Enrolling from Other High Schools

High school students who are English Learners enrolling in Metro Nashville Public Schools from a United States high school will be enrolled in the last grade completed or attended at previous school.

 

 

Translated Registration Information in Multiple Languages 

Download the informational flyers in several languages. Each flyer has basic information on how to register an English Learner student in a Metro School.

Learn more and register
English Learners Program