Metro Nashville and Memphis-Shelby County school districts open school options applications this month

A file stock image of a classroom.

Metro Nashville Public Schools families interested in enrolling their children in schools outside of their traditional zone school can now complete the School Options application until Feb. 7, an announcement from MNPS said.

According to the district, families will be able to apply to a public charter school or select a school outside their neighborhood or zone through the process.

“We accept, at any time, optional schools applications from students who are new to MNPS or currently enrolled in an MNPS school but would like to apply to a charter that participates in our district's optional school application process,” the district announcement said.

District guidelines noted that current Pre-K students attending an out-of-zone school must reapply to be considered for kindergarten at that school. The Pre-K application will be available on the district’s Early Learning website in the spring 2025. Students entering kindergarten in a school they were selected for during the school options process must also register for kindergarten separately after accepting their seat.

In addition to MNPS, Memphis-Shelby County Schools will also soon open its optional schools applications process on Jan. 28. Applications received by 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31 will be processed first, followed by applications processed in the order they’re received.

The district says its optional schools have a specialized learning focus, such as Enriched Academics, College Prep, International Studies, International Baccalaureate (IB), Creative & Performing Arts, or Automotive Technology.

“Some Optional programs offer more challenging or additional courses of study. Some use different methods in unique learning environments. Others focus on developing students’ talents in particular areas. What all Optional schools have in common is they foster an environment of high expectations where children will learn beside classmates who are similarly driven to succeed,” wrote the district.

For more information on Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ school option applications, visit www.scsk12.org/optionalschools.