College and Career Readiness
Metro Schools students have countless opportunities to take rigorous academic courses; explore interests that can range from scientific research to digital design to law; get a head start on college credit through dual enrollment, and participate in programs that support and enrich their curiosity.
Whether our students plan to pursue college, military service, or the workforce after graduation, our programs and partnerships—with universities, businesses, and community organizations—ensure every student has access to the experiences, information, and support needed to follow their dreams.
Take a closer look at the programs and support that offer opportunities to students.
Programs and Support
Gifted and Talented Education
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 at each K-8 school.
Magnet Schools
Magnet Schools are visionary, innovative schools where students are attracted by the unique themes, such as STEAM, Arts, IB, and more. Soft skills, teamwork, acceptance, innovation, and engagement make magnet schools a vibrant environment to develop children prepared for future careers and successful community engagement.
Early College
Students can fast-track their college plans or begin building a career by simultaneously earning a high school diploma and college associate’s degree in just four years—and at no cost to families. Early College High School, located on the campus of Nashville State Community College, and three zoned high schools–Cane Ridge, Glencliff, and Whites Creek - offer Early College opportunities.
Academies of Nashville
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.
Academic Enrichment and Support Programs
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:
Early Post-Secondary Opportunity
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
- 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.
Academic Course Types
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 available to students include:
- Standard Level Courses
- Honors Level Courses
- Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs)
Career and Technical Education
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 a multi-year program of study, such as Information Technology, Health Science, and Engineering, that deepens a student’s understanding of a career field and results in attainment of early post-secondary credit such as dual credit, dual enrollment, and industry credentials.
ACT testing and support
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
- Preparation for careers and other opportunities after high school
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.
Montessori
The Montessori learning environment fosters respect for others and independent learning while also supporting children as they cultivate an intrinsic pleasure from learning. The multi-aged classrooms are designed to support a child’s natural development through a carefully designed and nurturing environment that is aesthetically pleasing and enticing. Visit our school directory to learn more about our schools and programs.
Ready Graduate
Metro Schools high schools provide students multiple ways to demonstrate they are a Ready Graduate.
What's a Ready Graduate? It's a graduate who meets a statewide accountability measure that shows whether students are on track for college or career success.
Take a look at Ready Graduate details and explore schools and their unique options for early postsecondary opportunities.
Seniors: Planning for Success
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
