Academic Enrichment and Support

Academic Enrichment and Support 

Metro Schools offer a wide range of programs that provide high school students an open door to their academic and personal interests and provide individual support and partnership to help students reach their educational potential and goals.

Vanderbilt School for Science and Math Class of 2023 group photo

School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt

The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV) is a free, integrative four‐year program that pairs a select 26 students per grade with Vanderbilt Ph.D. instructors throughout the academic year and summer. This partnership is one of the most prestigious high school programs in the city, and we are very proud of what our students have accomplished through it. 

The application is open to eighth grade students who will attend a Metro Schools High School. 

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination

The AVID program is available in several elementary, middle and high schools. The focus is on subgroups of students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. AVID educators are specially trained in practices that are proven to deliver results from students.

Tennessee Academic Decathlon

The Tennessee Academic Decathlon, established in 1986, is the preliminary qualifying event for the United States Academic Decathlon. During the Decathlon, students work to sharpen their study skills and explore the subjects of music, art, science, literature, social science, math, and economics.

Students interested in competing in the Academic Decathlon must form a team of 9, and compete in 10 academic events. Each team will consist of 3 Honor Students (3.750-4.00 GPA), 3 Scholastic Students (3.00-3.74 GPA), and 3 Varsity Students (0.00-2.99 GPA). The competition concludes in February, so the winner may advance to the next round.

GEAR UP 

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded college and career-readiness program serving the graduating classes of 2024 and 2025 at the following seven MNPS high schools:

  • Antioch High School
  • Cane Ridge High School
  • Glencliff High School
  • John Overton High School
  • Maplewood High School
  • Pearl-Cohn High School
  • Stratford STEM Magnet School
  • Program Goals

    GEAR UP Nashville’s primary goals are improving college-going culture at the schools and providing interventions for students to make them competitive college applicants. GEAR UP Nashville strives to help every student have a post-graduation plan that makes sense for them based on their interests, abilities, goals, and fit. To support students in developing their “best fit” plan, typical GEAR UP services include:

    • College tours
    • Job site visits
    • Academic support and interventions
    • Individualized college planning
    • And more

    All services are offered at no cost!

  • Community Partners

    GEAR UP Nashville’s approach to serving students includes a collaborative group of community-based organizations that provide academic and social supports, in and out of classroom experiences, and resources that support the students and families of Metro Nashville Public Schools.

    More than a dozen partners signed on in support of the project and were identified because their commitment to Metro Schools in the areas of literacy and college preparation. Partners assist with summer camps, hosting college visits, and providing mentors to students, among many other services.

    Partners include:

    • Belmont University

    • Lipscomb University

    • Nashville State Community College

    • Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Nashville

    • Conexión Américas

    • Martha O'Bryan Center

    • Nashville Technology Council

    • Oasis Center

    • Opportunity NOW

    • Project LIT

    • Southern Word

    • Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS)

    • Tennessee College Access and Success Network

    • Tennessee Higher Education Commission

    • Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

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