Metro Nashville Public Schools is celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of its students and faculty, who have achieved a 4.5 percentage point year-over-year growth in the district’s graduation rate, bringing it to 85.7% for the 2023-24 cohort.
This is the highest graduation rate for MNPS since data tracking began in 2002, reflecting the district’s commitment to ensuring every student has the resources and support needed to complete their education.
“Ensuring that every student is known means giving each student the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential while at MNPS,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “Over the past few years, we’ve been intentional in creating pathways for lifelong success, equipping students with clear transition plans and the support needed to fulfill their dreams. This focused commitment is reflected in our record-breaking graduation rate, which represents the hard work of our students, educators, and the entire MNPS community.”
Graduation Gains
Two MNPS Academies of Nashville high schools, Maplewood and Glencliff, saw outstanding growth in their year-over-year graduation rates, with gains of more than 10 percentage points, while five other schools – Hunters Lane, Antioch, Overton, Pearl-Cohn, and McGavock – each saw improvements exceeding five percentage points.
Three MNPS optional schools achieved a 100% graduation rate: Early College High School, Nashville Big Picture High School, and the MNPS Virtual School.
Additionally, the Academy at Opry Mills and the Academy at Old Cockrill, both part of the district’s Simon Youth Academies Program, posted exceptional gains of 17 and 15.1 percentage points, respectively. These specialized academies provide alternative pathways for students who might otherwise face barriers to graduation, helping them attain their diplomas.
Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
“The record graduation rates at MNPS underscore the impact of strategic investments in college and career readiness that meet Nashville’s growing workforce needs,” said Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Programs like University MNPS and New Skills Ready Nashville are essential in preparing students for high-demand career paths, and these record outcomes show how partnerships can provide the opportunities that empower students and drive our region’s economic strength.”
University MNPS is a partnership with local colleges and universities to offer full-tuition scholarships to our students graduating from high school, featuring opportunities from Belmont, Fisk, Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, and Tennessee State universities, as well as early college programs and support resources from Nashville State Community College.
“Our record-breaking graduation rate is the result of dedication from every level of our community – from our board members to our families, and especially our students,” said Board Chair Freda Player. “MNPS is paving new pathways for post-secondary success through innovative programs that meet students where they are and prepare them for the future. This celebration belongs to every student who committed to achieving their best, and to the educators who have guided them every step of the way.”
The success of MNPS students is further bolstered by strategic initiatives funded through Metro Nashville and federal ESSER programs, enabling MNPS to implement evidence-based instructional materials, social-emotional learning tools, and professional development that directly support academic achievement.
Committed Students, Teachers and Staff
“This achievement is a testament to the incredible efforts of our students, teachers, and support staff,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “It reflects Nashville’s commitment to fostering a strong foundation for lifelong success, with each graduating student contributing to a brighter, more resilient future for our city. MNPS’s focus on equity and opportunity, especially through initiatives like University MNPS, empowers our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and beyond.”
