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Hunters Lane cluster describes K–12 International Baccalaureate pathway, highlights community projects and college success
Summary
Leaders of the Hunters Lane International Baccalaureate cluster presented the cluster’s Pre‑K–12 IB pathway to the MNPS board, describing elementary exhibitions, middle‑school community projects, high‑school IB diploma and career-related pathways, and college-access efforts including scholarship supports.
Principals and MNPS staff presented the Hunters Lane International Baccalaureate cluster’s K–12 pathway to the Metro Nashville Board of Education on Sept. 9, outlining how the district’s IB Primary Years Program (PYP) at elementary grades, the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Diploma Program (DP) at Hunters Lane High School create a coherent feeder pattern for students.
Presenters described the elementary fifth-grade exhibition as a yearlong, student‑selected, research-based project that ties learning to local community action and partnerships. In the middle years, an eighth‑grade community project and a tenth‑grade personal project were presented as progressive capstone experiences intended to build student agency and community engagement across grades. At Hunters Lane High School, presenters said students may pursue the full IB Diploma, the IB career‑related certificate, or individual DP courses; the cluster also offers AP, dual-enrollment and industry‑credential pathways.
Hunters Lane principals and the district’s strategy and schools chiefs emphasized wraparound supports, AVID strategies (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and partnerships with universities and community organizations to expand access. Principals told the board the cluster pursues coherent joint programming so students entering pre‑K and elementary schools are prepared to progress through IB coursework in middle and high school. Hunters Lane High School staff noted that for 2025 the school set records for scholarships awarded to graduates and highlighted multiple matriculation pathways to local and national colleges.
Board members asked about access and equity in the IB program and about diploma/certificate attainment. Presenters said the cluster actively recruits students for IB coursework and provides interventions and flexible time for students who struggle in advanced classes, and that the rigor of the coursework benefits students whether or not they ultimately earn the diploma. The panel also described near‑peer supports and college‑access activities (college visits, alumni panels, targeted counseling) used to increase scholarship uptake. One principal noted Hunters Lane alumni currently attending nearby universities return as mentors to share scholarship and application guidance with current students.
Ending: Board members praised the cluster’s coherence and outreach; staff said they will continue to expand supports and analyze outcomes as the cluster builds early-grade PYP implementation into middle and high school IB readiness.
