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Lawson cluster presents K–12 ‘journey map’; district highlights expanded AP access and rising pass rates
Summary
Lawson cluster leaders described a K–12 pathway focused on leadership and applied learning, and district staff reported more than 5,000 students enrolled in AP courses with the pass rate rising from about 34% in 2020 to over 60% last year. MNPS also said it covers 100% of AP exam fees for families.
Leaders from the James Lawson cluster presented a K–12 "journey map" to the Metro Nashville Public Schools board that, they said, connects elementary leadership development to applied college- and career-focused pathways at Lawson High School.
"This cluster is intentionally aligned to ensure students graduate not only ready, but also equipped to lead," said an introducing cluster leader. Executive principal Dr. Steven Schafer described priorities including leadership, advanced academics and workforce preparation; presenters highlighted student service projects, a robust AV academy and countywide partnerships.
Lawson campus and programming: Presenters said Lawson High School opened in August 2023 on a $150,000,000, 274-acre campus and offers AP, dual-enrollment and industry-certification pathways. Student leaders and principals described activities such as a district food drive and middle-school college visits as examples of the cluster's emphasis on applied learning.
AP program and access: District leaders then briefed the board on advanced-placement access across MNPS. "There is no cost to families for participating in AP," Chief Chen said, noting that the district centrally covers 100% of AP exam fees and funds teacher training and supports. Staff said more than 5,000 students are enrolled in at least one AP course (approximately one-third of high school students) and reported that the district's AP pass rate rose from about 34% in 2020 to over 60% last year.
Board and student questions focused on outreach and supports: Board members asked who is responsible for communicating AP availability; staff said communication is a shared responsibility among principals, guidance counselors and central offices and that the district has strengthened course registration and scheduling processes to improve tracking. A junior student board member and other students raised mental-health concerns related to heavy AP loads; staff said the district invests in campus mental-health and wraparound supports and that schools provide targeted academic supports.
Community partnerships: During public participation, Tiffany Whaley spoke on behalf of the Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which reiterated a long-standing partnership with MNPS on mentoring, scholarships and social-action initiatives.
Next steps: Staff said the Lawson cluster journey maps and AP programming information will be available for families and that the district will continue outreach to ensure equitable access across clusters.
