Explore Your Nashville Public Schools

If you are raising your family in Nashville, you have many choices when it comes to your children's education, and we want you to choose our diverse and high-quality schools.

Our staff is here to make the process of enrolling your child in a Metro Nashville Public School as easy as possible and walk you through any of the public school options available to your student. Your Nashville school options include:

Choose your Zoned School

The perfect school for your student may be right around the corner! Students are automatically assigned to schools within the zone where they live.

  • To determine your zoned school, enter your residential address into the Zone Finder.
  • Learn more about your neighborhood school by visit the MNPS school directory to explore your zoned school's website.

If possible, tour your local school and meet with staff to learn more about all your neighborhood school offers. Contact the school directly for more information.

Choose a School Outside your Neighborhood Zone

To enroll your child in a school outside your school zone, you will have to submit an application. Only schools that participate in the Optional Application program are eligible to have students from other zones attend. School bus transportation is not provided.

  • You can check availability and submit an application for an optional school during the annual application process, held each spring. Families who are new to MNPS can apply year-round to schools that have available space.
  • Parents of incoming kindergarteners, please note, if you are choosing a school outside your zone you will need to use the school options process and also register for school during the K-kickoff period.

Additionally, Davidson County has several charter schools available for students at all grade levels. You can learn more about each school by visiting its website. Check the schools list for charter options.

Apply for Pre-K

The application process for Pre-K is different from K-12 grades enrollment. There are eligibility requirements that must be considered, including immunization and school physical requirements, and a separate application is required.

For more information, application dates and checklists visit the Early Learning department's apply for Pre-K site.

Age Requirements

  • A child must be 4 years old on or before August 15 of the current school year to apply for MNPS Pre-K.
  • Some MNPS Pre-K programs accept 3-year-olds. A child must be 3 years old on or before August 15 of the current school year to apply for these programs.
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Academic Options, Themes and Programs

Metro Schools offers many academic options, themes and programs - something for every student. 

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  • Advanced Academic programs are available for students Pre-K through 12th grade that builds upon students’ individual strengths and maximizes academic potential for all learners.
  • Advanced Placement focuses on college-level instruction and assessment through an approved teacher syllabus. AP students have the opportunity to dig deeper into subjects that interest them, develop advanced research and communication skills, learn creative problem-solving and engage in rigorous college-level work.
  • Dual Enrollment provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit while enrolled in high school
  • Through an Early College High School program, admitted 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. Better Together is a joint venture with Nashville State Community College that offers dual enrollment, scholarship and early college options.
  • Magnet schools are visionary, innovative schools where students are attracted by unique themes such as: STEAM, Arts, International Baccalaureate and more.