Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) announced a partnership with Vanderbilt Peabody College to create a new education program at John Early Middle School. The collaboration will create a lab school that provides students with education pathways that help bridge the gap between K-12 and higher education.¶
The lab school will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) programming and preparing students for success beyond John Early Middle School. MNPS leaders believe the middle school magnet is the perfect candidate for the lab school collaboration because of its educational trajectory and several existing academic pathways for students.¶
"The establishment of a lab school at John Early Museum Magnet marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, research-driven education to our students," said Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Adrienne Battle. "This collaboration with Vanderbilt Peabody College will not only transform the educational landscape at John Early but also set a new standard for public school collaboration with higher education."¶
The district plans to implement the lab program in phases over the next three school years and it will include new pathways between other magnet schools in the district, intensive math tutoring, professional development for teachers and staff and unique learning opportunities on the Vanderbilt campus.¶
“Vanderbilt has long been committed to leveraging our expertise to benefit our community, and this deepening of our relationship with MNPS is an outstanding opportunity to do just that,” said Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “As an institution that believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and unlock potential, we are excited about the insights and impact this partnership will make possible for the practitioners at John Early, for our faculty at Peabody, and especially, for the students and families touched by the lab school’s work.”¶
Vanderbilt’s role at John Early Middle School will be in enhancing educational quality and student support. John Early will remain operated and staffed by MNPS staff.¶
