UPDATE! Check out the six new thematic schools' webpage for details about these exciting new educational opportunities.

In May 2010, Metro Nashville Public Schools applied for a $12,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program to open six new thematic magnet schools in the district. These funds are payable over three years and will be used to develop and implement the new schools.

The new magnet programs will open for the 2011-2012 school year, but were not included in the 2011 lottery. Instead, these programs will be open through open enrollment. Enrollment begins March 1, 2011. For more information on open enrollment, click here.

Video of the Announcement

Schools/Programs

• Churchwell Elementary (formerly Wharton) – PreK-5 - Museum Magnet
• John Early Middle – Grades 6-8 – Museum Magnet (pathway to Hume-Fogg for students who meet academic requirement)
• Nashville is fortunate to have a number of excellent museums. Churchwell and Early will leverage partnerships with these museums to develop the magnet curriculum, provide enrichment opportunities to students and professional development for staff.
• Hattie Cotton Elementary – Grades PreK-4 – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
• Bailey Middle – Grades 5-8 - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
• Stratford High – Grades 9-12 - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
• Hattie Cotton, Bailey and Stratford will provide a STEM curriculum that students will be able to follow from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nashville has a number of excellent universities that will partner with these STEM programs, providing opportunities for enrichment and collaboration to both students and teachers. The faculties from all three schools will collaborate throughout the year to review curriculum and instructional methods.
• Pearl-Cohn High – Grades 9-12 – Entertainment Industry and Music Business Magnet
• The entertainment and music business industries in Nashville are well-developed and offer many opportunities for partnerships that will support this thematic magnet. Pearl-Cohn will partner with universities offering degree programs in these fields, as well as local businesses and organizations, to provide instruction by university staff, training and real-world experience to students, and professional development to Pearl-Cohn faculty.