NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 14, 2024) – For the fourth time in the past decade, Metro Nashville Public Schools has been awarded a highly competitive federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This five-year grant, totaling nearly $15 million, will fund the creation of innovative whole-school magnet programs in four schools across the district. This follows the successful MSAP award received by MNPS in 2023, further expanding the district’s commitment to offering high-quality, specialized educational opportunities.
MNPS will begin the immediate implementation of the grant, continuing its mission of fostering equitable access to high-quality instruction and innovative educational pathways for all students.
“This prestigious grant reinforces our district’s unwavering dedication to providing transformative, world-class education for every student,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Schools. “With this funding, we are poised to create dynamic, engaging learning environments that inspire creativity, challenge minds, and prepare students for bright futures.”
The following schools have been selected to benefit from the grant and will transition into whole-school magnet programs:
- Glenview Elementary School: Spanish Immersion Magnet (PreK-5)
- Paragon Mills Elementary School: Spanish Immersion Magnet (PreK-5)
- Stratton Elementary School: International Baccalaureate Spanish Immersion Magnet (PreK-5)
- Brick Church Middle School: Early College Magnet (6-8)
Program Highlights:
- Spanish Immersion at Glenview and Paragon Mills: These schools will offer students the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English. The Spanish Immersion programs will not only help students acquire a second language but also enhance cognitive abilities, cultural awareness, and future career readiness. By integrating immersive Spanish language instruction across all subjects, teachers will help students develop strong language skills while mastering core academic concepts.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) at Stratton Elementary: This program will introduce students to the prestigious IB curriculum, known for its focus on global thinking, inquiry-based learning, and the development of critical thinking skills. The addition of a Spanish Immersion component ensures that students will emerge with a strong foundation in both academic rigor and language proficiency, preparing them for success in middle and high school IB programs.
- Early College at Brick Church Middle School: This innovative program will give middle school students a head start on college and career preparation by integrating high school-level coursework with a focus on early college credit. Brick Church Middle feeds into Whites Creek High School, which offers a robust Early College program in partnership with Nashville State Community College. This pathway allows students to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits, placing them on a fast track to an associate degree or career readiness.
These schools were chosen based on their high potential for reducing minority group isolation and improving socioeconomic diversity. The goal is not only to enhance opportunities for the students already attending these schools but also to attract new families interested in these specialized programs.
The MNPS MSAP project objectives include:
- Reducing minority group isolation among African American and Hispanic students in the selected magnet schools.
- Ensuring all students meet rigorous academic standards and are on track to be college- and career-ready.
- Offering equal opportunities for all students to benefit from magnet-specific educational programs and skill-building.
- Strengthening the capacity within the magnet schools to deliver evidence-based, innovative instruction that promotes choice and diversity in MNPS.
“This grant will have a lasting impact on our students, families, and the wider community,” said Renita Perry, Chief of Academics and Schools. “These new magnet programs will provide unparalleled learning experiences and open doors for students to explore their interests while gaining critical skills for the future.”
Prior to this year, MNPS secured MSAP funding in 2010, 2017, 2021, and 2023. MNPS remains dedicated to sustaining and expanding the successes of its magnet programs, supporting schools that have participated in the MSAP initiative, and seeking future opportunities to enhance educational offerings.
LINK: Video Recording of 10/14 Press Conference from Metro Nashville Network
