Ida B. Wells Zone Change Recommendation to Maplewood Cluster
Metro Schools ReimaginED is a multi-year initiative to better align elementary, middle, and high schools. The goal is to give students a consistent, personalized pathway from Pre-K through graduation — preparing them for college, career, and life.
Currently, Ida B. Wells is the only elementary school in Nashville with a split feeder pattern:
- Some students are zoned to Jere Baxter Middle and Maplewood High.
- Others are zoned to Stratford Middle and High.
To ensure consistency for students, the district is recommending that beginning in the 2026–27 school year, all Ida B. Wells students will be zoned to Jere Baxter Middle and Maplewood High School.
Community Meeting September 16
Families are encouraged to join us at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 at Ida B. Wells for a community meeting to learn more about the proposed changes, ask questions and share feedback.
The Board of Education will consider this proposal at its September 23 meeting.
What This Means for Families and Students
Future Students - 2026–2027 and Beyond
All rising 6th graders from Ida B. Wells will move to Jere Baxter Middle, then Maplewood High.
School Choice
Families may still apply to other schools through the MNPS School Options process.
Current Stratford-Zoned Students
May remain at Stratford, but MNPS transportation will not be provided. Families may arrange their own transportation or use the WeGo #4 (Shelby) bus route, which offers no-cost fares through the MNPS–WeGo partnership.
Transportation Assurance
District transportation will continue for Ida B. Wells students zoned to Jere Baxter and Maplewood
Students Already Attending Optional Schools
No changes.
About the Maplewood Cluster
High-Quality Pre-K to 12 Experience
Strong academics, caring supports, and unique opportunities like AVID, STEM, and dual enrollment.
Jere Baxter Middle School
Level 5 growth in literacy and math on the 2024–25 TCAP, plus AVID, STEAM, advanced academics, high school credit options, and student clubs.
Maplewood High School
Designated a Health Sciences Early College, where students can earn college credits - or even an associate degree - through Nashville State Community College while completing their diploma