Metro Nashville Public Schools

Every Student Known

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.

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.

Level 5 District. Two Years in a Row.

MNPS students made remarkable progress in 2023, outpacing the state in 7 of 8 categories measured on annual TCAP assessments and meeting state growth in the 8th. Because of this academic growth, Metro Nashville Public Schools received Level 5 status for the second straight year.

MNPS Experiences

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.

Creating Your Future

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.

Elementary Schools

Across our 70 elementary schools, students thrive in fun and engaging hands-on lessons. Our academic team is committed to supporting a high-quality education for every student, every day, while aligning all instruction to the Tennessee State Academic Standards.

Our elementary schools offer foreign language instruction, STEAM instruction, Montessori and Paideia programs, gifted and talented education services, and much more.

Middle Schools

The middle school years are a pivotal phase for students developmentally, socially and academically. With Metro Schools, you’ll find caring school environments that encourage self-discovery and promote independence and responsibility while preparing students for high school.

Our middle school students explore and cultivate their interests through academic, extracurricular and professional growth experiences.

High Schools

Our high schools offer students personalized, thematic learning tied to real-world experiences. Students can take advantage of advanced placement (AP) courses to obtain college credit, or sit for nationally recognized professional certifications.  Students also participate in work-based internships and service-learning experiences, furthering their school-career connections.

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

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

Early College High School Programs

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. Glencliff High School will add an early college program in 2024.

The Academies of Nashville

The Academies of Nashville, a learning model sustained by strong partnerships between our 12 zoned high schools and more than 365 (and growing) dedicated and community business partners, is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best college and career readiness programs. Our 35 different academies – covering high-paying, in-demand industries like health care, hospitality, tech and engineering – create space for students to develop new skills and create their own learning experience, empowering them to make informed decisions after graduation.