Beautiful and Sustainable: MNPS Opens New Percy Priest Elementary

MNPS officially opened its newest school building this morning with a high-energy event that drew students, families, staff, and community leaders to the new Percy Priest Elementary School.  

The 99,577-square-foot facility, which sits just above the site of the previous building off Otter Creek Road, came together over the past two years. Designed for more than 700 students in grades Pre-K through 5, it features classroom audio systems, wireless projectors, LED lighting, flexible furniture, and charging stations.  

Built with sustainability in mind, the facility also includes a geothermal HVAC system, EV charging, and solar-ready infrastructure, with LEED Silver certification underway. 

“This is a beautiful, joyful day, because we are celebrating what can happen when everyone in our community comes together to invest in our young people and their future,” MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle said. 

Percy Priest also features a new gymnasium designed for full-school events. Dr. Battle thanked Percy Priest parents Shannon Martin and Katie Agnew for their work to raise $5 million in 67 days to pay for that space not only at the West Nashville school but also at Lakeview and Paragon Mills elementary schools, which the district also is preparing to open in new or renovated facilities after major construction projects.  

“This new building is a shining example of a public-private partnership that benefits our students and our educators and an entire school community, and we cannot thank Shannon, Katie, and their fellow donors enough,” Dr. Battle said.  

The event also included remarks from Mayor Freddie O’Connell, District 8 Board of Education Member Erin O’Hara Block, Percy Priest Principal Dr. Russell Young, and three siblings who attended, are attending, or will attend the school: Nurah, Nadeen, and Saleem Zehr.  

“At Percy Priest we stand firmly behind the district mantra of Every Student Known,” Young said, “and this new space is designed to help us live that commitment every day, ensuring that each child is seen, supported, and celebrated.”