Metro Nashville Public Schools: Optional School Choice Application Opens Jan. 25

Press release from the Metro Nashville Public Schools:

The district’s Optional Schools Application process will begin January 25. The yearly Optional Schools Application allows families to choose among open enrollment schools, in addition to their zoned school.

Metro Nashville Public Schools is a diverse, vibrant school district that strives for excellence, and our schools reflect that – each is unique, and we have a variety of programs and opportunities to meet students’ needs. We are driven by a simple mission: to deliver a great public education to every student, every day.

Students and parents will discover that MNPS offers the rigorous academic standards, engaging instruction, diversity and social-emotional support students need throughout their education journey.

For most families, their zoned school is the best option, because students can attend school close to home and with their neighborhood and community friends. If this is the case, then no other steps are needed. If, however, you want to learn more about all the school options available to you, the annual School Options Process is designed to help you discover all that Metro Schools has to offer.

Whether you want to learn more about your zoned neighborhood school or an optional school — we can’t wait to show you all the opportunities available in MNPS schools.

Optional Schools Timeline

• Monday, Jan. 25: Applications open online at www.mnps.org/apply. Printed applications will be available at schools, enrollment centers and the Family Information Center, 2610 Bransford Avenue.

  • Download the School Options application booklet, which has a lot of important information. (Translated document will be posted soon.)

Explore your Public Schools

Families in Nashville have 159 public schools available to them — meaning there’s a school that’s right for your student. The school could be right around the corner in your own neighborhood, or it could be a school on the other side of town that offers a program specific to your student’s unique learning interests. No matter which school you choose, rest assured that MNPS will ensure your student has a great experience and will graduate prepared for college, a career and life.

Our district has three different types of schools:

• Zoned Schools: Every student in Nashville is zoned for a specific elementary, middle and high school and is guaranteed a seat at that zoned school. Some areas also have zoned options, which give families guaranteed access to more than one school. Proof of residency is required to attend a zoned school.

• Optional Schools: Optional schools fall into two categories: zoned neighborhood schools with available seats and schools without a zone designed to attract students from all over town, such as magnet and charter schools. Magnet schools often offer specialized and innovative programming and may have entrance requirements.

  • You can download the 2021-2022 Optional Schools application handbook on the Apply page.

Learn more about our district in the MNPS Quick Guide.

Get to Know our Schools

Choosing a school for your student is an extremely important decision, and it requires some research. Every Nashville student has a seat with his or her name on it in the zoned neighborhood school.

• Find your zoned school using Zone Finder and learn additional information about each school’s offerings by visiting school websites. Every MNPS school has a unique web page where you can learn more about that school’s specific programmatic options, extracurricular opportunities and other important details.

• Take a look at www.mnps.org/explore to look at school options throughout the district.

Schools may host virtual events and online information sessions in lieu of the traditional in-person tours. Check school websites or social media channels of schools you’re interested in to see how they plan to showcase their school and allow families to connect with staff.

Explore your public schools

This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.