Promising Scholars Summer Program and Credit Recovery

Elementary Schools

• A.Z. Kelley Elementary
• Andrew Jackson Elementary
• Bellshire Elementary
• Cockrill Elementary
• Cole Elementary
• Cumberland Elementary
• Dan Mills Elementary
• Eagle View Elementary
• Eakin Elementary
• Fall-Hamilton Elementary
• Glencliff Elementary
• Glenview Elementary
• Goodlettsville Elementary
• Gower Elementary
• Hattie Cotton Elementary
• Haywood Elementary
• Joelton Elementary
• Lakeview Elementary
• May Werthan Shayne Elementary School
• Napier Elementary
• Neelys Bend Elementary
• Norman Binkley Elementary
• Paragon Mills Elementary
• Pennington Elementary
• Percy Priest Elementary
• Robert Churchwell Elementary
• Rosebank Elementary
• Smith Springs Elementary School
• Stratton Elementary
• Tom Joy Elementary
• Tulip Grove Elementary
• Una Elementary
• Westmeade Elementary

Middle Schools

• Donelson Middle
• John F. Kennedy Middle
• John Trotwood Moore Middle
• Margaret Allen Middle
• Moses McKissack Middle
• Neelys Bend Elementary
• Richard H. Dinkins Middle School
• Stratford STEM Magnet School
• William Henry Oliver Middle

High Schools

• Glencliff High School
• Hunters Lane High
• James Lawson High School
• Stratford STEM Magnet School

Additional information regarding before and after care will be updated soon.

Program Dates

• Promising Scholars will be held May 28 to June 26, 2026.

Promising Scholars Hours

• Rising Kindergarten: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Elementary School: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Middle School:  9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• High School: 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

Transportation 

• Bus transportation will be available for students.

• In May, bus route information will be available at the Find My Bus Stop summer link.
  • Please note, this link will be active until late May.

Contact the MNPS Family Information Center at (615) 259-4636 if you need help. Remember to be at your stop 10 minutes before pickup time.

What time can I drop my child off? 

 For families who plan on dropping their child off at school, students will be allowed in the building at the following times:

• Rising Kindergarten: 7:45 a.m.
• Elementary School: 7:45 a.m. 
• Middle School: 8:45 a.m.  
• High School: 6:45 a.m. 

* Some sites will provide after-care. 
*All students must be picked up at the end times listed above.

What types of activities will my child participate in?

Each Promising Scholars sites for rising K-8th grade students will feature a mix of classroom learning; science, technology, and art activities; physical activity, and other fun experiences. High school students will participate in exciting and engaging experiences revolving around college and career readiness and ACT prep. Credit recovery will also be available for high school students.

Will students work on subjects and areas specific to their individual needs? 

Yes, all students will receive RTI (Response to Intervention).

Will there be a nurse to support medication and injury/illness? 

Yes. Each site will have a nurse available for support with illness, injury, and medication administration. Medication administration forms are located at each Promising Scholars site. Please see the lead administrator at your site if your child has doctor-ordered medication that needs to be taken during program times.

Will schools still provide lunch for the public?

All Promising Scholars site will provide breakfast and lunch to students.

Will my rising Kindergarten and 7th grade students be able to participate without an updated immunization certificate? 

Yes, but they will be required to have their records updated before the 2025-2026 school year. Families are encouraged to fax, email, or bring in a copy of their child’s updated TN Immunization certificate to ensure a smooth transition to the start of the school year. 

Who can I contact at the site if I have questions?

Each Promising Scholars site will have a lead administrator, counselor or social worker. The welcome letter provided by your assigned site will have the lead administrator's contact information. 

What if my child needs to be absent? 

Regular attendance is essential for students to benefit fully from Promising Scholars. Research and program data show that students need consistent participation to experience meaningful academic growth. If your child needs to be absent, please notify your student’s teacher or the site administrator as soon as possible. Staying in close communication helps schools support students and plan instruction effectively. While we understand that absences may occur, we strongly encourage families to prioritize daily attendance so students can receive the full benefit of the program.

My child is a current 3rd grade student. Are they required to attend Promising Scholars?

Under Tennessee state law (T.C.A. § 49-6-3115), third grade students must demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) on the TCAP assessment to be promoted to fourth grade. Students who do not score proficient may be required to attend a summer learning program, such as Promising Scholars, and/or participate in tutoring during their fourth grade year, depending on their final TCAP score.

If your child is currently not on track to score proficient, based on benchmark assessments or universal screeners, we strongly encourage you to plan for them to attend Promising Scholars. This program offers academic support aligned with state requirements and provides an opportunity to meet promotion criteria.

If you have questions about your child’s progress or whether they may be required to attend Promising Scholars, please reach out to their teacher or school administrator.

Will my child receive grades?

Although academic work will not be graded, elementary and middle school students in Promising Scholars will have an opportunity to get caught up academically before the 2026-27 school year begins. All students will work on subjects and areas specific to their individual needs. 

What items will my child need to bring with them daily?

Students should bring their laptop and charger to school each day. 

Is my child required to wear standard school attire?

No. Students are not required to wear standard school attire. However, the district clothing policy will still apply. 

What is the code of conduct?

The MNPS Student Handbook, along with the discipline codes and procedures, will continue to be adhered to during the summer learning program.

Can my child bring treats or birthday goodies? Can I drop off treats or birthday goodies?

No outside food, other than the child’s personal lunch, can be brought to the summer learning program.

How will a typical day look for my student? 

Students will work on math, English, physical activity and STREAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). The schedule for 9th to 12th grade will vary by grade level and location. 

Rising K-5th Grade

• Math - 8 to 10:15 a.m.
• English - 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. (includes lunch)
• Physical Activity - 1 to 2 p.m.
• STREAM - 2 to 3 p.m.

Rising 6-8 Grade

• Math - 9 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.
• English - 11:05 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (includes lunch)
• Physical Activity - 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
• STREAM - 2:45 to 4 p.m.

Rising Grade 9

• Math - 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• English - 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• STREAM - 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Lunch - 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Physical activity - 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Rising 9-12 Grade

• College & Career Readiness - 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Find My Stop search tool for Promising Scholars will be active in late May.

To find your bus stop:

1. Visit the Find My Stop search tool. 
   • The link will be added before the 2026 session begins.
2. Add your grade
3. Add your address
4. Click find you transportation stop.

 

Summer Programs FAQ: Exceptional Education Students

ESY (Extended School Year) services will be co-located at select Promising Scholars sites and transportation will be provided for students.

What is the difference between Promising Scholars Program and Extended School Year?

The MNPS Promising Scholars Program is a no cost summer learning experience for all eligible students entering grades K-12 that will be offered at over 40 school sites. Each camp will offer a mix of classroom learning, science, technology and art activities; physical activity, and other fun experiences. Extended School Year is for students who have an IEP. Extended School Year services are provided to students for whom extended schools breaks are determined to be detrimental to a student’s progress. ESY is to maintain skills so student will not be spending additional weeks during the school year to return to their former level and all decisions regarding ESY are made by the IEP Team.

If a student attends Promising Scholars Program and IEP team determines they are eligible for ESY can they attend both?

Yes, we will offer select sites for students who are attending both ESY and Promising Scholars so they can access both programs.

Are we required to implement IEPs for students in the summer learning programs?

No, IEPs are only required to be implemented during the school year. However, any opportunities provided outside of the school year must be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. The IEP team should review the student’s needs to determine any accommodations, modifications, and/or related services needed to ensure access to the instructional activities. This may include related services that a student normally receives through their IEP during the school year. An example of related services would be assistive technology, brailed curriculum, communication devices, etc.

What will Promising Scholars provide for our students on a modified curriculum?

Promising Scholars camp will offer a mix of classroom learning; science, technology, and art activities; physical activity, and other fun experiences, with a full day schedule for rising K-8th grades and a half day for rising 9th - 12th graders. The student's IEP team should review the student’s needs to determine any accommodations, modifications, and/or related services needed to ensure access to the instructional activities. This may include related services that a student normally receives through their IEP during the
school year.

If a student has a full time 1:1 paraprofessional support during the school year will they receive that same level of support for Promising Scholars?

Services outlined in a student's IEP are only required to be implemented during the school year. Students with IEPs will have equitable access to Promising Scholars and the supports they need to have equitable access.

Will special education teachers and paraprofessionals be hired to support students for Promising Scholars Program?

Yes, special education staff will be part of the Young Scholars Program to ensure students with IEPs have equitable access.

If a student attends one of the MNPS Special Day Schools or a Contracted Special Day School are they eligible to apply for the Promising Scholars Program?

Yes, Promising Scholars program is a camp available for all students.

Will related services be provided to students in the summer learning program, such as occupational therapy?

IEPs are only required to be implemented during the school year. However, any opportunities provided outside of the school year must be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. The IEP team should review the student’s needs to determine any accommodations, modifications, and/or related services needed to ensure access to the instructional activities. This may include related services that a student normally receives through their IEP during the school year. An example of related services would be assistive
technology, brailed curriculum, communication devices, etc. Related Service providers will be available to consult with teachers to ensure access during the Promising Scholars Program.

Will Special education transportation be made available for students who receive special transportation throughout the school year be accessible for students to access Promising Scholars?

Yes; if a student who receives special transportation needs special transportation to access Promising Scholars it will be provided.

Download the Frequently Asked Questions for students in Exceptional Education 

Q: What is the role of a Parent Outreach Translator during the Promising Scholars Program?
A: Parent Outreach Translators will:

• Directly assist Non English Language Background (NELB) parents in assigned summer schools in person, via phone, and via email.
• Assist school personal with translation and interpretation of meetings, parent contacts, and other needs for families during the summer program.
• Translate needed documents for summer programming at the school site.
• Assist in increasing parent participation of school events and activities by personally notifying families and inviting families by letter, phone, and/or e-mail.

Q: What is the role of an EL Teacher during the Promising Scholars Program?
A: In this position, the EL teacher will provide supplemental language instruction to English Learners throughout the summer school day. Scheduling and EL teacher's support are dependent upon the needs of EL students and their proficiency levels. EL teachers will spend 100% of their time instructing EL students

Q. If a student takes special transportation for programming to an out-of zone school (ex. SIFE Program), where will they go to Promising Scholars? Will they also get special transportation to their program site?
A: Students will attend the Promising Scholars site that is closest to their closest summer school site. This may or may not be their zone school.
 

You will receive contact information for your specific school site after registration.