Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School – the home of the Cool Cats – is a vibrant magnet school in historic East Nashville's Edgefield neighborhood that promotes learning between the arts and traditional subjects to build the skills students need to become successful adults.
Warner is also one of nine magnet schools in our district’s STEAM magnet program. These schools, often referred to as MSAP schools, which stands for Magnet Schools Assistance Program, are committed to being leaders in integrating schools and addressing racial inequities that have existed for generations. Warner believes a culture that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging, combined with innovative teaching and engaged and committed parents, is vital to the academic and social-emotional success of all students.
Individualized student instruction is a key component of student success at Warner. The faculty and staff work to make Every Student Known by tracking individual student data and developing personalized learning goals for all students, according to Jonathan Wren, Warner’s MSAP coordinator.
“Students also have voice and choice in their daily learning,” Wren said. “Students get to choose an Arts Conservatory to attend on Mondays (strings, music, visual arts, PE or dance).”
Students also participate in BeWell in School, a positive and proactive approach to student discipline and behavior, focusing on mindfulness, movement and breathing.
Over the last few years, Warner Elementary has seen academic progress that has moved it to a Level 5 Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS) school, which means students’ academic growth is above average. They also won the Blue Ribbon Beacon of Excellence School award.
Parents play an important role at Warner. The school offers family literacy nights, STEAM nights and family dances to encourage and foster family involvement.
“At Warner Arts Magnet, we believe every child runs their own race,” says Executive Principal Ricki Gibbs, a 2020 Principal of the Year. “And every race matters!”
Facts About Warner
- The mascot is the Wildcat, but they go by the Cool Cats.
- The arts pathways include Visual Art & Design; Strings (Violin & Viola); Physical Education; Dance; General Music
- Warner has a Chinese drumming group that has performed all over the city.
- Warner is an enhanced option school, which means their school day ends at 3:45 p.m. After-care is also available on site at no cost to families through the Martha O’Bryan Center as well as an off-site location provided through East Park Community Center.
- The school’s motto is: “The Warner Way, a Guaranteed Experience for All Students as We Work Toward Providing a World-class Education.”
Warner Videos
Watch videos about Warner on YouTube and get to know the thriving East Nashville elementary school.
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