The first day of school for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students is tomorrow. My daughter is an MNPS first grader, and she’s pumped about returning to school and being with her friends again. MNPS’s mission statement is “Every Student Known,” and they have lots of cool programs to help their students succeed. Here are a few.
MNPS provides free pre-k to four-year-old students through a variety of programs located at select elementary schools and learning centers, including two Montessori classrooms. Only some schools have a pre-k program, and MNPS does not have room to accept every child who applies. I recommend applying early for the best chance of getting in. Applications open in March.
The Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO) program provides assistance to unhoused students, including helping them find medical practitioners, partnering with Second Harvest for a food pantry, and giving students supplies and clothes. There are also volunteer and donation opportunities.
This free, month-long summer program extends the school year and provides fun activities and enrichment opportunities. Bus transportation is provided. My daughter attended this year and really enjoyed it. She and her classmates played in bouncy houses, had a splash party, and extended recess time. It was not all academics, which was something I worried about.
Third graders who do not earn a high enough score on their TCAP test can attend to advance to fourth grade. High school students, who attend half a day, receive ACT prep and can register for credit recovery. You can register for the program in January, and I recommend signing up early, before all the spots are full.
This is Nashville’s largest college access program, and helps low-income, new American, and first-generation college students with college and career selection and enrollment. The Oasis Center has partnered with 11 MNPS schools to mentor high school students one-on-one. They also provide ACT prep.
Vanderbilt University has partnered with MNPS to provide scholarships to eligible MNPS students. The scholarships will cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, and a one-time summer stipend. Vanderbilt will work with MNPS school counselors on college readiness. Parents must make $100,000 or less and students need to apply to either the Early Decision I or Early Decision II plan. This program starts in the fall of 2025.
