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East Nashville Family School Guide

Choosing a school is an important decision for your entire family. You want a place where your student can grow academically, feel supported, build meaningful relationships, explore their interests, and prepare for what comes next.

KIPP Nashville offers a connected set of tuition-free public charter school options in East Nashville for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Whether your student is starting elementary school, preparing for the transition to middle school, or thinking about life after graduation, this guide can help you compare your options and take the next step.

KIPP Schools in East Nashville

KIPP Nashville has three schools identified as East Nashville campuses, providing elementary, middle, and high school options. For the 2026–27 school year, these schools serve grades K–12 across the three campuses.

A K–12 Pathway in East Nashville

Finding the right school today is important. It can also help to understand what your student’s educational options could look like several years from now.

KIPP Nashville’s East Nashville schools provide options at each major stage:

  • Elementary School:
    Grades K–4

    Students begin at KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary, where the focus is on developing foundational academic skills, curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.

  • Middle School:
    Grades 5–8

    KIPP Academy Nashville builds on those foundations as students take on more challenging coursework, develop greater independence, and explore interests through music, athletics, clubs, and other activities.

  • High School:
    Grades 9–12

    At KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, academics are paired with opportunities for advanced coursework, extracurricular involvement, and individualized preparation for college, career, and other postsecondary paths.

KIPP Academy Nashville and KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School are both located at 123 Douglas Avenue, creating a shared location for the middle-to-high-school stages of the East Nashville pathway.

Students do not automatically progress from one KIPP school to another. Current KIPP students need to apply when switching schools, including when moving from elementary to middle school or middle to high school.

Explore the K–12 Pathway

What Can Families Expect From KIPP Nashville?

Each KIPP Nashville school has its own community, programs, traditions, and approach. Across the network, however, families can expect an emphasis on academic growth, relationships, student development, and preparation for the future.

Preparation for the Future

Academic expectations evolve as students grow.

Elementary students focus on essential skills such as foundational literacy and conceptual mathematics. Middle school students engage in rigorous Math, English, Science, and Social Studies while learning to think critically and work more independently. In high school, students take on increasingly challenging coursework and can access AP opportunities.

Opportunities to Explore Interests

Students need opportunities to discover what excites them.

Depending on the school and grade level, KIPP Nashville students can participate in arts, music, athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, and other enrichment activities. Offerings vary by campus and school year, so families should review each school’s current programs when comparing their options.

Support for Different Learners

KIPP Nashville serves students with a range of learning needs. Its Student Supports Team provides learning opportunities for students with special needs, gifted students, and English Language Learners. Families with questions about specific services are encouraged to contact the individual school directly.

Preparation for the Future

As students reach high school, planning becomes increasingly focused on what comes after graduation.

KIPP Forward works with high school students through classes and check-ins focused on college and career preparation. Students can explore potential careers, prepare for the ACT, navigate applications and financial aid, and consider options that may include college, technical education, or entering the workforce. Support can continue after graduation through a KIPP Forward Advisor.

Explore KIPP Forward
transportation

Transportation and Before- & Aftercare

The right school needs to work for your family’s everyday life, not just your student’s academic needs.

KIPP Nashville provides free bus transportation within designated KIPP school zones at all campuses. Because transportation depends on where your family lives and the school your student attends, families should confirm eligibility and current transportation information for the specific East Nashville school they are considering.

KIPP Nashville’s elementary and middle schools also offer before- and aftercare through external providers. Information about providers, registration, and logistics is shared with families before the beginning of the school year.

For East Nashville families, that means care options are available at KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary and KIPP Academy Nashville.

How to Choose the Right East Nashville School

For many families, grade level will immediately narrow the options. But there are still important questions to ask as you decide whether KIPP Nashville is right for your student.

  • Academics

    What will your student learn, and how will they be challenged?

  • Student support

    What resources are available if your student needs additional academic or personal support?

  • School culture

    What does the school day feel like, and what expectations are set for students?

  • Activities

    Are there arts, athletics, clubs, or enrichment opportunities that interest your student?

  • Transportation

    Does your home fall within the school’s transportation zone?

  • Care

    Does your elementary or middle school student need before- or aftercare?

  • Future transitions

    What options will your student have when it’s time to move to middle or high school?

  • A website can help you begin answering these questions. A campus visit can help you see how everything comes together.

Visit an East Nashville KIPP School

KIPP Nashville offers tours at all three East Nashville schools: KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary, KIPP Academy Nashville, and KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School.

A tour gives you and your student an opportunity to experience the campus and ask questions specific to your family’s priorities.

Schedule a Campus Tour
  • You may want to ask:

    • What does a typical school day look like?
    • What are the academic expectations for my student’s grade?
    • How will I know how my student is progressing?
    • What support is available if my student needs additional help?
    • What activities are available this school year?
    • How does the school communicate with families?
    • Does my student qualify for bus transportation?
    • What should we know about applying?
    • How does the school prepare students for their next transition?

    Whenever possible, bring your student. Their questions and impressions are an important part of choosing a school.

    Applying to an East Nashville KIPP School

    KIPP Nashville schools are tuition-free public schools open to Davidson County residents. There is no academic entry requirement to apply or attend.

    The application process includes several steps:

  • Submit an Application

    Families can apply online to KIPP Nashville schools. The application itself only takes a few minutes.

  • Review Lottery Results

    KIPP Nashville uses a random lottery selection process. Families are notified whether their student has been offered a seat or placed on a waitlist.

  • Accept Your Student's Seat

    If your student receives an offer, you’ll need to accept the seat through KIPP Nashville’s enrollment system.

  • Complete Registration

    Families then submit the required registration information and documents. These can include proof of birth, immunization records, parent or guardian identification, and proof of residency.

  • Attend Orientation

    Each school holds orientation before the school year to help students and families prepare for the transition.

Start Exploring Your East Nashville School Options

Choosing a school is about finding an environment where your student can learn, build relationships, explore who they are, and prepare for where they want to go.

KIPP Nashville gives East Nashville families tuition-free options from kindergarten through high school:

KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary School — Grades K–4 | KIPP Academy Nashville — Grades 5–8 | KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School — Grades 9–12

Start with the school serving your student’s grade, explore the campus in more detail, and schedule a tour to experience the community firsthand. If you still have questions, KIPP Nashville’s enrollment team can help you understand your options and next steps.