Ivanetta H. Davis Early Learning Center is a child- and family-centered MNPS preschool that is often referred to as Davis ELC. Its academic programs focus on educating the whole child while placing emphasis on important skills and development such as literacy, early math, and social and emotional learning.
Davis ELC’s motto, which goes hand in hand with its duck mascot, is “Developing Unique Children with Knowledge to Succeed.”
Located in the heart of the North Nashville community, the school was previously known as the Bordeaux Early Learning Center. In 2016 it was renamed in honor of the late Ivanetta H. Davis, the former First Lady of Tennessee State University who was a long-time MNPS educator and principal for nearly 30 years.
Davis ELC ensures Every Student is Known with daily strategies that include personalized car line greetings with students and parents during arrival and dismissal. Students wear nametags to ensure that every member of the staff addresses children by name. Students have a sense of belonging because every child has a portrait with their name, interest, and favorite things on the walls throughout the school.
“I am truly dedicated to creating an exceptional early learning experience and environment that fosters a culture of belonging and care,” Executive Principal Dr. Rhiannon M. Wilson said.
“It has always been my belief that parents are children’s first teachers. It is essential that our amazing staff, parents, families, and community play the most important role of raising, teaching, and being actively involved in the educational journey of our students.” 
The blue and white Davis “ducks” are proud of their academic accomplishments. They are currently in their third year of 80% of pre-k students scoring at the “meeting or exceeding” level in literacy and math. Also, all Davis teachers have met the district’s Smart Goals: Increased Academic Achievement and Growth in Literacy/Language and Increased Academic Achievement and Growth in Mathematics.
Celebration of Schools
Learn more about the MNPS Celebration of Schools and celebrate Metro Schools with us.
