Transforming Education: The Academies of Nashville Model

In 2005, concerned by a low graduation rate, MNPS began working closely with business leaders to revamp education in its high schools.

The result was a transformation of traditional high schools into academies, or smaller “schools within schools” tailored to offer students a personalized and consistent educational experience. In MNPS, 12 zoned high schools operate as Academies of Nashville schools, each offering a unique approach to education through smaller, specialized learning communities.

These 12 schools are home to a total of 36 academies, each led by a dedicated team that includes an executive principal, an academy coach, and an academy principal.

The Academies of Nashville experience begins freshman year with all students placed in a Freshman Academy designed to help them adapt to the challenges and expectations of high school.

9th Grade

Students attend the Career Fair, where they explore various career paths and learn about the pathways offered by the Academies of Nashville through insights from business partners and community leaders.

Career Fair, College Exploration & Visits

As each student progresses into sophomore year, they select an academy that aligns with their interests and aspirations.

10th Grade

Students attend industry-related field trips to deepen their understanding of career possibilities.

Industry Related Field Trips

During the three years in their academy of choice, a student’s journey includes meaningful experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

11th Grade

Students engage in a job shadow or an internship to provide hands-on exposure to their chosen field. 11th and 12th grade students are eligible to participate in career-based learning, where students are employed in their career pathway, earning up to 3 academic credits and an average of $15 per hour.

Job Shadow, Internship

This structured progression ensures that every MNPS student graduates with practical experiences to support their future success.

12th Grade

Students culminate their academy experience with either a capstone project or a career practicum, demonstrating their mastery of skills and readiness for college and career.

Capstone, Career Practicum

The impact of the academies is evident in MNPS's remarkable progress over the past two decades. The data points below compare the 2005 - 2006 school year (before the academies model was implemented) to now.

Graduation Rate

2005 - 2006*

57.8%

2023 - 2024

85.7%

Average Daily Attendance

2005 - 2006

87.8%

2018 - 2019

92.2%

2022 - 2023

89%

Suspension Rate

2005 - 2006

32%

2022 - 2023

17.3%

Industry Certification Exams Passed

2013

2023

Dual Credit Exams Passed

2013

2023

Work Based Learning**

2022

2024

2025

0 +

*5-year formula | **2022 was the Pilot Year for Work Based Learning

The academies model facilitates dynamic partnerships between MNPS students and industry partners.

At the core of these relationships are the founding partners of the Academies of Nashville: Alignment Nashville, MNPS, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and PENCIL Foundation. Each partner played an essential role in the initial creation of the Academies of Nashville model and continues to advance the academies’ mission. Beyond the founding partners, other community and business partners also play a key role by providing diverse perspectives that assist in keeping curriculum relevant and facilitating job shadows, industry tours, and career-based learning experiences.

Academies of Nashville Business Engagement Structure

To ensure effective communication and collaboration, founding partner roles are defined to facilitate information flow in multiple directions. The success of the Academies of Nashville hinges on the strong and sustained engagement of its business partners, whose contributions are integral to aligning curricula with industry standards and providing students with meaningful career-based learning opportunities.