MNPS District Update

The first day of school for students is Tuesday, Aug. 11. We want our students and families to enjoy the excitement of a new school year and to make those first days as stress-free as possible, we've put together a page of Back-to-School resources for families. You will find information and links to answer your questions about registration, transportation, vaccination requirements, updating addresses and much more. Please also watch for information from your student's school. Let's have a great year!

Back-to-school planning starts now! Reminder: Many MNPS schools will follow new bell times starting in the 2026–27 school year. Families should:

✔ Review their school’s schedule

✔ Watch for transportation updates

✔ Stay connected for back-to-school information

Families can find their school’s new start and end times on our website.

The Find My Bus Stop is now live for the 2026-27 school year. If your child attends your zoned school and lives more than 1.25 miles from the school (1.5 miles for high schools), they are eligible for transportation. Visit Find My Bus Stop on our Transportation webpage and enter your child's grade and address (no login required) to see their assigned bus route and stop.

Once your child starts riding, download the Versatrans MyStop app (available in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to track their bus in real time. Select Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, then log in with your child's Student ID as the username and their date of birth (MMDDYYYY) as the password.

View the Transportation webpage for additional information on Find My Bus Stop and MNPS bus services.

MNPS is required to provide annual notice of The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the rights it provides parents and students. The FERPA gives parents, students over 18 years of age and others certain rights with respect to the student's education records.

Additionally, the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and guardians of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, the collection and use of student information for marketing purposes, and the administration of certain physical exams.

Please take time to review these rights, as well as other information, in our Student-Parent Handbook.

Technology at MNPS

Technology plays an important role in helping students learn, create, and collaborate, and MNPS is committed to ensuring those experiences are both engaging and safe. We invite families to explore our Technology resources to learn about the digital tools students use in the classroom, the multiple layers of protection we have in place to help keep students safe online, and our approach to using Artificial Intelligence responsibly to support teaching and learning.

Together, we can help students become confident, responsible digital citizens. Learn more about Technology, Digital Safety, and Artificial Intelligence on the MNPS website, including updates on policies and more information about the digital devices and programs a student will experience at MNPS.

New this school year: In accordance with a new Tennessee law, students in grades Pre-K through 5 will no longer have access to student email accounts. Families can learn more about this change and how it affects student communication by visiting our Student Email information page.

Summer has its own form of busy across MNPS! Summer programs, camps, professional development and back-to-school preparations are many of the activities that occur throughout June and July. Shown above are a sampling of summer activities, including MNPS students participating in summer research projects with Vanderbilt; mural-painting at McGavock High; Promising Scholars students; the Positive Schools Conference held at James Lawson High; and our annual New Teachers Launch, welcoming new MNPS teachers.

"Our success is undeniable, and it belongs to our students and the educators who believe in them," said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent of Nashville Public Schools. "By staying focused on improving the conditions for teaching and learning, we are giving our students the support they need to thrive. Building on last year's record results, these gains reflect the determination of our students and their families, the dedication of our teachers, and a community committed to excellence. We could not be prouder, and we are just getting started."

Highlights from the 2026 Results

Tennessee's annual Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is underway. Families can get ready for school and take advantage of no sales tax on eligible items such as clothing, shoes and school supplies. Visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue website for a list of eligible items and additional information.

Sales Tax Holiday

Two of Metro Nashville Public Schools’ outstanding music educators have been invited to join The Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMYS Awards and a leading advocate for music creators’ rights, recognition, and opportunities. MNPS Director of Visual and Performing Arts Franklin Willis and Dee Hammonds, dean of fine arts at Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School, are among more than 4,000 music professionals from across the country invited to join The Recording Academy this year.

The James Lawson High School Jazz Band and Nashville School of the Arts Piano Conservatory student Darren Ekezie entertained and inspired educators from across the nation at the ACT Summit in Nashville earlier this month. ACT also donated $1,000 to the district's Visual and Performing Arts programs.

W.O. Smith Music School is accepting new students and volunteer music teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Students must be at least 8 years old and meet eligibility requirements for free or reduced lunches to enroll. Lessons, ensembles, and classes are generally held after school hours and on Saturdays. Volunteers commit to teaching one hour each week. Visit wosmith.org or email allyson@wosmith.org for more information

If English is not the first language for you and your family, your child should be enrolled in school through the Office of English Learners. As part of the registration process, children will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for English Learner services.

• Learn more about the registration process for English Learner students.
• Interpreters are available.

July 23-Aug. 9 - Back-to-School Bashes (Specific cluster dates on our Back-to-School page.)

July 31-Aug. 2 - Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend

August 1 - 3rd Annual MNPS and Friends All Star Celebration, 6 p.m. (tip-off at 6:30), Lipscomb Allen Arena

August 11 - First day of school for students

MNPS 2026-2027 District Calendar