Metro Nashville Public Schools

Metro Schools high schools provide students multiple ways to demonstrate they are a Ready Graduate.

What's a Ready Graduate? A statewide accountability measure that shows whether students are on track for college or career success.

Take a look at Ready Graduate details, explore schools and their unique options for early postsecondary opportunities. 

Every student in our 12 zoned Academies of Nashville high schools has a choice of 35 different fields of study - whether a student is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or engineering, every academy will enhance the student's high school experience while preparing them with skills applicable to any career field.

More than 365 community partners, businesses and local colleges and universities work together to create a wide range of dual credit, dual enrollment and industry credentials for students.

Gifted and Talented Education classes provide opportunities for students in grades K-8 to participate in classes designed specifically for academically gifted and talented learners.

The curriculum is hands-on, interactive and problem-based with a focus on developing students' critical and creative thinking abilities. GATE classes meet weekly in at each K-8 school. 

Metro Schools offer a variety of academic course types that range in level of rigor and post-secondary outcomes to meet the unique needs and goals of each of our students. The types of academic courses include:

• Standard Level Courses
• Honors Level Courses
• Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs)

An Early Post Secondary Opportunity - or EPSO - is a high school course or program that allows a student to gain college credit or industry certification.

Metro Schools offers several different types of EPSOs such as:

• Advanced Placement
• Cambridge
• CLEP - College Level Exam Program
• Dual Enrollment
• Dual Credit
• Industry Credentials
• International Baccalaureate

All students are encouraged to participate and enroll in EPSOs and are rewarded with additional quality points on their GPAs.  

The ACT test is a graduation requirement and the results can open doors to college admissions, in addition to:

• State and university-based scholarships
• Dual enrollment opportunities at some schools
• Meeting NCAA eligibility requirements for student athletes

The district ACT page also offers test-taking tips and online webinars; accommodations information; and a simple guide to planning for the ACT during the K through 12 years. 

Metro Schools high school counselors work hard to provide individualized support to students, and to offer families information while their student is in high school and preparing for college and career. 

The district Seniors page offers information on things such as:

• Graduation Requirements
• Diploma Types and Additional Recognitions
• Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Dual Enrollment
• Military Service
• Workforce Preparation
• Transcripts 

Metro Schools offers enriching and challenging programs that support students' academic skills and curiosity, including programs designed specifically to boost students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education and first-generation college students. Programs include:

• School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt
• GEAR-UP
• AVID 
• Tennessee Academic Decathlon 

Career and Technical Education, or CTE, courses provide students with opportunities to develop academic, technical, and professional skills needed to prepare for college and succeed in careers in high-demand fields.

Each CTE course is part of multi-year program of study, such as Information Technology, Health Science, and Engineering, which deepen a student’s understanding of a career field and result in attainment of early post-secondary credit such as Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, and Industry Credentials.

Every CTE course engages students through rigorous industry-aligned standards, embedded interdisciplinary projects, and experiential learning offered in partnership with local employers. Students in CTE courses also participate in Career Technical Student Organizations, such as FFA or DECA, which allow students to demonstrate leadership skills, apply specialized knowledge, and gain experience that can contribute to success in and out of the classroom.