MNPS spotlights Stratford cluster’s STEM/STEAM pathway as enrollment and college-credit options expand
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Summary
At an MNPS board meeting, school leaders highlighted the Stratford cluster’s coordinated STEM/STEAM pathway, citing nearly $10 million in recent magnet funding, partnerships with universities and a nearly 13% enrollment increase across the cluster over five years. Students and parents described strong community ties.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools board members heard a presentation from the Stratford cluster on a district-designed STEM/STEAM pathway that connects elementary, middle and high school learning to advanced academics and college-credit opportunities.
The presentation, led by Redita Perry, the district’s reimagined-cluster executive director (chief), described an intentionally aligned pathway that pairs hands-on STEAM learning in elementary grades with more personalized, applied experiences in middle school and college-credit opportunities in high school. Perry said the cluster’s pathway is “about creating purposeful learning journeys that reflect the strengths, opportunities, and aspirations of the communities we serve.”
Why it matters: The Stratford cluster presentation framed the pathway as a contributor to family confidence and local enrollment growth. Presenters said the cluster has attracted families and grown enrollment nearly 13% over five years, including a 26% increase at the elementary level, and that the district has invested nearly $10,000,000 in magnet school assistance program funding in the last five years.
Board members and presenters emphasized partnerships and credit-bearing programs. The presentation listed dual-enrollment and college partnerships with Nashville State, Tennessee Tech, Spelman and Howard University and cited Neon (National Education Equity Lab) and Vanderbilt partnerships that provide research, field experience and college credit for students. Perry described the cluster as “building opportunity, innovation, and community together.”
Students and parents gave first-person accounts of the cluster’s impact. “We have many ways for students to get involved in extracurriculars,” said Cedric, an eighth grader from Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School, describing gifted programming and opportunities to earn high school credits through some courses. Parent Fernando Valdez described Inglewood Elementary as “home,” saying teachers and staff made his family feel protected and included after moving from Mexico.
The presentation highlighted concrete supports and recognition: multiple state-recognized reward schools, several level‑5 TVAAS schools, a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, and two MNPS principals of the year. Presenters also noted K–12 STEAM showcases, partnerships with Vanderbilt for 'Scientists in the Classroom,' and hands‑on projects such as urban gardens and robotics.
No formal board action was taken on the presentation. The board thanked cluster leaders and principals and encouraged continued community engagement; principals were invited to remain for questions if needed.
