Important Information for MNPS Seniors

Credits

Students must earn the correct number of credits to meet both Tennessee Department of Education and MNPS requirements.

All students, regardless of the school attended, must earn these credits for a regular diploma:

• Math: 4 credits, including Integrated Math I, II, III, and a fourth math course.
• English: 4 credits
• Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course
• Social Studies: 3 credits, including U.S. History and Geography, World History and Geography, U.S. Government and Civics, and Economics
• Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits
• Personal Finance: 0.5 credits
• Foreign Language: 2 credits of the same language
• Fine Arts: 1 credit
• Elective Focus: 3 credits in one of the following areas: Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Academics, or Tier III/Intensive Intervention
• Computer Science: Beginning with students who enroll in 9th grade in 2024-25 or later, earn at least one credit of computer science during high school. Students may fulfill this requirement by substituting computer science as a math credit or science credit (lab science). If computer science is not used as a substitution, it will count as elective credit.

Credit Recovery

Students earn credits by passing classes. However, sometimes passing a class presents a challenge and options for credit recovery are needed. Please contact your school counselor for school-specific information about each option below and to determine which best addresses the need.

1. Course retake: If a student has room in his/her schedule, and exhibits success in other classes, repeating the failed course as part of their regular school-day schedule could be an option. This allows the student to earn the full number of grade points available in the course and the missing credit.
2. Summer school: MNPS offers a credit recovery option during the four-week summer school program. While summer school does not exist at all school sites, all students regardless of which school they attend during the school year can participate.
3. Credit recovery: MNPS provides a flexible credit recovery option using an online platform Edgenuity. Contact your school counselor for complete information on credit recovery and for important guidelines specific to students seeking NCAA eligibility for collegiate athletics.

Required Tests

To graduate, all students must take the ACT and a Civics exam.

• ACT: No minimum score required for graduation but earning a composite score of 21 or higher provides access to a variety of postsecondary opportunities and scholarships. Please refer to the ACT page on the MNPS website for information and resources.
• Civics: Students must take and pass a United States citizenship and immigration services civics test with a score of 70 or higher. Please ask the school’s US Government teacher for more information about the content of the test and the school’s test administration schedule.
• Advanced Academics: Students enrolled in courses such as IB, AP, Cambridge AICE, and dual credit are required to sit for the external exams.

Ready Graduate Status

The Tennessee Department of Education established a set of criteria for students to meet that would indicate their readiness to enter college, trade/technical school, the military, or the workforce upon graduation from high school. Meeting one (1) of the four criteria below satisfies this expectation:

1. Earn an ACT Composite score of 21 or higher
2. Earn an SAT Composite score of 1060
3. Complete four Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs)
4. Earn credit in two EPSOs and one of the criteria below:

Meeting or not meeting Ready Graduate status does not impact a student’s ability to graduate, but it does indicate a student developed the skills needed for likely success in postsecondary education, military service, or entering the workforce.

Regular Diploma with District Honors

To graduate with a Regular Diploma with District Honors, students must satisfy all MNPS graduation requirements for a regular diploma AND have an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale.

Regular Diploma with State Honors

Students who satisfy the requirements for a Regular Diploma and who score at or above all the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT will graduate with State Honors. Those readiness benchmarks are:

• ACT
• SAT

District Distinction

Students shall be recognized as graduating with District Distinction if they have met the graduation requirements, have obtained an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 unweighted scale, and have earned an industry certification in his or her career interest category, or a regionally recognized industry certification.

Regular Diploma with State Distinction

To graduate with a Regular Diploma with State Distinction, students must satisfy all requirements for a regular diploma, earn a B average (3.0 or higher unweighted), AND complete one of the following:

• Earn a nationally recognized industry credential. Any student may satisfy this option by earning the “ACT National Career Readiness Certificate” at the “Silver Certificate Level.”
• Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
• Participate in one of the All-State musical organizations (includes Army Marching Band)
• Earn statewide recognition or award at a skill- or knowledge-based state tournament, convention, or competition hosted by a statewide student organization, and/ or qualify for national recognition by a national student organization.
• Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
• Attain a composite score of thirty-one (31) or higher on the ACT or SAT equivalent
• Attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement exams (if meeting this requirement, exams need to be completed by the end of the junior year)
• Successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme
• Successfully complete the Cambridge International Examinations pathway to TN Diploma
• Earn 12 or more semester credit hours of transcript postsecondary credits
•  Successfully complete the School of Science and Math Program at Vanderbilt (SSMV) by passing all courses and participating 3 out of 4 years

Scholars Designation/Grades

The average for Academic Honors and Distinguished Scholar will be computed from seven semesters of grade averages. The overall cumulative average for Distinguished Scholar will be 90-100 (A). The overall grade average for Academic Honors shall be 80-89 (B). These Scholar designations will be noted on the student’s transcript and diploma.

Seal of Biliteracy

LEAs shall recognize students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one (1) or more languages in addition to English with a Seal of Biliteracy. Students receiving this recognition shall meet the following criteria:

• Complete all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher (unweighted) in those classes, and
• Demonstrate proficiency through one (1) of the following:
  • Score at the on-track or mastered level on each ELA end-of-course assessment taken;
  • Score three (3) or higher on an Advancement Placement English Language or English Literature exam; B1 or higher on a Cambridge International English Exam; or four (4) or higher on an International Baccalaureate English exam;
  • Score 22 or higher on the ACT Reading subtest or 480 or higher on the SAT evidence-based reading and writing subtest; or
  • Score 4.5 or higher on the WIDA Access, if the student is an English learner; and
• Demonstrate proficiency in a world language through one (1) of the following:
  • Score Intermediate- Mid or higher in all three (3) communication modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) on a world language proficiency assessment recognized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL);
  • Score three (3) or higher on an Advancement Placement world language exam; B1 or higher on a Cambridge International world language exam; or four (4) or higher on an International Baccalaureate world language exam;
  • Score at the Intermediate level or higher on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI:ASL);
  • Pass a foreign government's approved non-English language exam, or score at a level comparable to Intermediate-mid or higher on the ACCTFL proficiency scale on another country's secondary level standardized exam in the country's non-English native language; or
• Score at a level comparable to Intermediate-Mid or higher on the ACTFL proficiency scale on an LEA developed alternate models. Alternate models may only be used if the identified world language does not have an associated nationally recognized assessment and must address communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Each local board shall affix an appropriate insignia to the diploma or transcript of the qualifying pupil indicating that such pupil has been awarded a Tennessee Seal of Biliteracy. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in a high-need, high-skill industry after graduation may earn an “Industry 4.0 diploma distinction.” The student’s school shall include on the student’s transcript the Industry 4.0 distinction if the student fulfills all Industry 4.0 distinction requirements upon graduation.

• Each public high school, including public charter high schools, shall notify ninth (9th) grade and tenth (10th) grade students enrolled in the high school of the opportunity to pursue an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction no later than ten (10) days after the first day of each semester of the school year.
• A high school student interested in receiving an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction shall before the end of their tenth (10th) grade year
  • Notify the student's counselor or school principal of the student's intent to pursue an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction;
  • Provide the student's counselor or school principal with documentation signed by the student's parent or legal guardian indicating that the student's parent or legal guardian is aware of the requirements for the parent's or legal guardian's student to obtain an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction and consenting to the student's participation;
  • Register with a regional American Job Center or other career counseling or community partner approved by the student's school; and
  • Enroll in at least one (1) work-based learning or dual enrollment course for the student's eleventh (11th) grade year.
• Beginning in the student's eleventh (11th) grade year, a student pursuing an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction shall meet, no less than once per month, with a career coach who has been approved to provide career coaching services by the student's school. The career coach must:
  • Be an American Job Center career coach, a career coach from a career counseling or community partner approved by the United States Department of Labor's regional office for the state of Tennessee, or a licensed school counselor or an educator who holds a work-based learning certificate provided by the Department of Education; and
  • Be an American Job Center career coach, a career coach from a career counseling or community partner approved by the United States Department of Labor's regional office for the state of Tennessee, or a licensed school counselor or an educator who holds a work-based learning certificate provided by the Department of Education; and
  • Meet, no less than once per month during the school year, with students assigned to the career coach by the student's school principal to assist students in
    • Developing the personal attributes required for success in the workforce, which include, but are not limited to, time management, networking, communication, teamwork, creative thinking, and conflict resolution;
    • Applying for dual enrollment grants or other available financial aid opportunities, including, but not limited to, grants and scholarships administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation;
    • Identifying the best combination of dual enrollment, work-based learning, and internship opportunities available to the student; and
    • Preparing for standardized assessments such as the ACT
    • Before the end of the student's eleventh (11th) grade year, a student pursuing an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction shall enroll in work-based learning or dual enrollment courses for the student's twelfth (12th) grade year.
    • A student receiving an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction shall successfully complete all coursework required for graduation for their diploma type.
    • A student pursuing an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction may earn at least one (1) science credit and at least one (1) math credit through course substitutions approved by the State Board, including, but not limited to, dual enrollment and work-based learning courses that are aligned to a student's chosen career path. Work-based learning course substitutions may only fulfill a student’s third (3rd) credit of science and/or fourth (4th) credit of math. Pursuant to State Board Rule 0520-01-03-.03, high schools shall accept dual enrollment courses as a substitution for an aligned graduation requirement course.
    • A student receiving an Industry 4.0 diploma distinction shall earn nine (9) credits of dual enrollment or work-based learning in grades nine (9) through twelve (12), which may be satisfied by the student's successful completion of dual enrollment coursework, work-based learning experiences, on-the-job training, or other mentorships or structured educational experiences that allow the student to apply the student's knowledge and skills in a work environment to develop an understanding of workplace expectations.

Special Education Diploma

The Diploma of Specialized Education shall be awarded to students at the end of the fourth (4th) year of high school to students with disabilities who have:

• Received special education services and made satisfactory progress on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) AND
• Not met the requirements for a regular high school diploma
  • Has satisfactory records of attendance and conduct
  • Students who obtain the special education diploma may continue to work toward a regular high school diploma through the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two (22) years old.

Occupational Diploma

An occupational diploma will be awarded to students with disabilities at the end of their fourth (4th) year of high school who have

1. Not met the requirements for a regular high school diploma;
2. Received special education services or supports and made satisfactory progress on an IEP;
3. Have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct;
4. Have completed the occupational diploma Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Mastery Assessment (SKEMA) created by the Tennessee Department of Education; and
5. Have completed two (2) years of paid or non-paid work experience.

The determination that the occupational diploma is the goal for a student with a disability will be made at the conclusion of the student’s tenth (10th) grade year or within two (2) academic years prior to the expected graduation date. Students who obtain the occupational diploma may continue to work towards a regular high school diploma through the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two (22) years old.

Alternate Academic Diploma (AAD)

Beginning with students entering the ninth (9th) grade in the 2018-19 school year, an alternate academic diploma may be awarded to students with significant cognitive disabilities at the end of their fourth (4th) year of high school who have:

• Participated in the high school alternate assessments,
• Earned the prescribed twenty-two (22) credit minimum,
• Received special education services or supports and made satisfactory progress on an IEP,
• Have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct, and
• Pass a Civics Assessment
• Have completed a transition assessment(s) that measures, at a minimum postsecondary education and training, employment, independent living, and community involvement.

The required credits may be earned either through the state-approved general education standards or through alternate academic diploma modified course requirements approved by the State Board. A student who earns an alternate academic diploma shall continue to be eligible for special education services under IDEA until the student receives a regular high school diploma or through the school year in which the student turns twenty-two (22).

Additional Recognitions

Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar

A student who earns a composite score of nineteen (19) or higher on the ACT, or an equivalent score on the SAT, and earns a capstone industry certification as promoted by the Department of Education, shall be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school. A student who fulfills the requirements of the Tennessee work ethic distinction program shall also be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school. The public high school shall recognize the student's achievement at the graduation ceremony by placing an appropriate designation on the student's diploma, or other credential, or by providing a ribbon or cord to be worn with graduation regalia. The student shall be noted as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar in the school's graduation program.

Community Service

Students who voluntarily complete at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester the student attends a public high school shall be recognized at their graduation ceremony.
Each student is responsible for providing to their school counselor any documentation of their hours. This should include the place of service, number of hours completed each semester, and the name and contact information (email/phone) for the person who supervised their hours.

National Career Readiness Certificate

Students graduating with a gold or platinum medal on the National Career Readiness Certificate (WorkKeys) shall be recognized at their graduation ceremony.

Work Ethic Distinction

Students graduating with a district-developed work ethic distinction shall be recognized at their graduation ceremony.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma shall be awarded by the IBO to students who successfully maintain academic integrity and complete the requirements set forth by the IBO.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) shall be awarded by the IBO to students who successfully maintain academic integrity and complete the requirements set forth by the IBO.

AP Capstone Diploma

The AP Capstone Diploma shall be awarded to students who:

• Earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research
• Earn scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP exams in any subject area

AP Scholars Awards

The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions for students to cite among their credentials on applications and résumés. Students do not receive any monetary award from the College Board.

Award and Criteria

• AP Scholar
  • Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams
• AP Scholar with Honor
  • Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams
• AP Scholar with Distinction
  • Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams
• State AP Scholar
  • Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken
• National AP Scholar
  • Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams

Note: The AP Capstone Diploma™ and AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ are reported to colleges and universities as AP Scholar Awards and appear in Scholar Roster reports.

Calculation Criteria

There are two steps to calculating the awards:

• The student’s average AP score is determined based on all exams taken this year and in previous years;
• The student’s exam scores are checked to see which ones count toward the various AP Scholar Awards.

A student must meet all criteria to be eligible. For example, a student who has a 3.25 AP score average but only received a 3 or higher on three exams will not receive the AP Scholar with Honor’s Award because the minimum requirement is a score of 3 or higher on four or more exams.

Exams taken multiple times only count once; the highest score will be used for the award calculation.

The Calculus AB subscore, Music Theory aural subscore, and Music Theory nonaural subscore are not used in the AP Scholar Award calculations.

For more information, visit AP Scholar Awards.

Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma (AICE)

The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma (AICE) shall be awarded to students who maintain academic integrity and successfully complete the requirements of the AICE diploma.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Most financial aid and scholarship programs require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, university-based scholarships, and other aid-granting institutions. 

Students and their legal parent/guardian need to work together to complete the required information, which consists of household income, family size, potential location of college enrollment, and more.

Documents that may be required to complete the FAFSA include:

• Social Security Number for the student and parents/legal guardians
• Driver’s license number
• Federal tax information, including
  • W-2s for student and parents/legal guardians
  • Income tax return 1040
• Record of untaxed income
• Information on cash assets

For assistance completing the FAFSA look for the Help Center link on the FAFSA website, call FAFSA’s Help Center at 1-800-433-3243, or refer to the Money for College section of the CollegeforTN.org website.

 

College Scholarship Service Profile, or CSS

A few colleges and scholarship opportunities require completion of a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, typically in conjunction with the FAFSA. Where the FAFSA requires broad financial information, the CSS Profile requires much more detailed financial information. Only complete this form if the institution or organization requires it.

Documents needed to complete the CSS Profile include:

• Most recent tax return
• W-2 forms and other records of current year income
• Records of untaxed income and benefits
• Assets and bank statement

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) serves as the financial aid resource center for students in Tennessee. To access the TSAC Student Portal, obtain detailed information about the TN HOPE Scholarship and TN Promise, and learn about additional scholarships, grants, and financial aid resources, students should visit the CollegeforTN.org.
 

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

 The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, funded by the state lottery, provides scholarship funds to freshmen entering one of Tennessee’s eligible colleges or universities, including 2-year and 4-year institutions, as well as the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology for those seeking workforce skill development.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Graduation from an eligible TN high school (All MNPS high schools meet this criteria)
• Enroll in one of the eligible TN public or private colleges or universities
• Achieve an ACT composite score of 21 or higher, or an SAT composite of 1060 or higher, not including the optional writing test, or
• Earn a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA

For detailed information, please visit CollegeforTN.org.

Tennessee Promise

The Tennessee Promise Scholarship provides free tuition and mandatory fees and mentoring to help students navigate the transition from high school to one of the participating institutions, primarily community colleges or Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses.

To qualify, students must:

• Create an account in the TSAC Student Portal
• Complete the online application by November 1st
• Attend mandatory meetings during the school year
• Applying for admission to a partner institution
• Completing the FAFSA by May 15, 2024.

For detailed information, please visit CollegeforTN.org.

Scholarships

Please visit the MNPS Scholarships and Opportunities group in Schoology (access code: JXXB-S5MV-HKQQH) or contact your school counselor for a comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities.

MNPS Scholarships and Opportunities on Schoology Access code:

JXXB-S5MV-HKQQH

Metro Schools has a wonderful collaborative relationship with some of Nashville's most renowned educational instititutions. Through the University MNPS initiative, Academies of Nashville seniors are eligible for an array of scholarship opportunities.

• TSU Trailblazers Scholarship is available to AON graduates with a 3.2 weighted GPA and a 20+ ACT score.
• Lift Off to Lipscomb Scholarship is available to AON graduates, wishing to pursue a future teaching career and have a 2.75 HOPE GPA.
• Fisk University requires a 3.3 HOPE GPA and accepts a 21+ ACT SuperScore.
• Bell Towers Scholars with Belmont University accepts students through an interview process, student essays, and application.
• Nashville State Community College offers students the Nashville GRAD and FLEX supports to any MNPS graduates, wishing to attend as part-time or full-time NSCC students. 

Be sure to check out University MNPS as you plan your post-high school experience.

College for TN

College for TN provides “a free one-stop resource for college and career information in the state of Tennessee.” 

Visitors to the site can explore:

• Career options and information
• Research Tennessee’s postsecondary institutions including
  • Trade/technical training through the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT)
  • 2-year community colleges
  • 4-year public and private universities
• Obtain information about financial aid
• And more

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) sponsor the site, making it the premiere resource for information regarding the array of in-state institutions and resources.

College Navigator

College Navigator, provided by the federal government’s National Center for Education Statistics, allows students to search the vast postsecondary options available throughout the United States and US Territories. The site includes detailed information on admission requirements, programs of study, tuition and fees, student population, and much more.

ACT Plans

After creating a MyACT account on the ACT website, students can use the “Plans” section to find information about college majors, explore schools, and complete interest, abilities, and values inventories.

College Board Big Future

Hosted by the company that administers the SAT, College Board’s Big Future provides college planning resources and tools including information on finding institutions that meet the student’s needs, paying for college, and support for admission applications.

Many students choose to enter military service. These students need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) when offered at the school or from the local military recruitment office. 

The links below provide additional information and access to enlistment information for each military branch.

• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Marines
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Space Force

Some students feel compelled to enter the workforce after graduating from high school due to experiences in their career academy, work internships, entrepreneurial opportunities, or other situations. The resources below serve as tools to help guide students onto a path that aligns with their knowledge, skills, and aspirations. 

ACT Inventories

Even though ACT has a strong connection to entering college, it also provides tools for students who choose to pursue opportunities that do not require a college degree. By creating and signing in to a MyACT account, students can:

• Take interest, abilities, and values inventories
• Use the inventory results to explore career options
• Learn about expected income and needed training/education

CollegeforTN.org

Like resources on MyACT, CollegeforTN.org includes opportunities to take career inventories, understand career clusters, and engage in career planning.

Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT)

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology campuses provide students with hands-on, experiential trade and technical training in a variety of fields. The 27 campuses spread across the state and their programs address needs identified within the local community and region. All campuses accept both the TN Promise Scholarship as well as the TN HOPE Scholarship.

Nashville GRAD

Metro Schools graduates can apply for the Nashville GRAD scholarship at Nashville State Community College. The scholarship helps pay for textbooks, transportation, industry certification fees, and other costs, as well as direct academic advising and career development assistance. 

The objective is to remove non-academic barriers to college retention and completion at Nashville State by providing academic and financial support to eligible students from Nashville and Davidson County.

With support from the Mayor’s Office, Metro Council, and community partners, Nashville GRAD students’ two-year graduation rate from Nashville State is nearly twice that of other Davidson County students. Gateway to GRAD programming started in the summer of 2021 to help new MNPS graduates bridge the gap between high school and college and get a head start on Nashville State classes.

Better Together

Metro Schools and Nashville State have a partnership called Better Together, which creates more postsecondary opportunities for MNPS students.

Learn more about Better Together, and programs like dual enrollment and tutoring opportunities.