Cumberland Elementary School is a close-knit neighborhood school in northwest Nashville that works hard at family engagement to help ensure that every student can succeed.
Cumberland makes sure Every Student is Known by assigning Navigators to check in regularly with each and every child. Fourth- and fifth-graders also participate in weekly “Why Try” social skills lessons to build positive peer relationships and communication skills.
The school uses Accelerated Scholars tutoring, student data chats, student-specific personalized learning time plans, small group counseling lunch bunches, and one-on-one counseling and services, as well as Cumberland Bears shout-outs and monthly Star Students highlights, to make sure students are meeting goals and expectations and being recognized for their good work.
“Failure is Not an Option at Cumberland Elementary” is Cumberland’s motto.
The school added fifth grade this school year, and some of those students are helping their youngest friends settle in by serving as Kindergarten Buddies and participating in buddy activities with kindergarteners that will continue throughout the year.
Built more than 20 years ago on a longtime school site off Ashland City Highway, Cumberland has a house system to help build closer connections among students and staff and promote good behavior.
The houses, which compete for the most “Bear Bucks” earned each quarter, are:
- La Valentia - The house of bravery and courage
- La Resistencia - The house of strength and resilience
- La Amabilidad - The house of goodness and kindness
- La Integridad - The house of integrity and honesty
Cumberland also offers activities such as Coding Club, Jump Rope Club, Beat Maker Club, and Chess Club, as well as a Morning Student News Team.
The school’s official mascot is the Bears, but its true mascot is Ms. Cumberland, a neighborhood cat that enjoys being around the students every day at drop-off and dismissal.