NASHVILLE — Nashville Public Schools continued its upward academic trajectory this year, posting gains across multiple subjects on the 2026 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and End-of-Course (EOC) exams, district leaders announced.
Preliminary results show students improved proficiency in English Language Arts, mathematics and social studies in grades 3-8 while high school students recorded significant gains in several End-of-Course assessments. The results build on the district’s record-setting performance in 2025, marking another year of measurable academic growth.
“Our success is undeniable, and it belongs to our students and the educators who believe in them,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “By staying focused on improving the conditions for teaching and learning, we are giving our students the support they need to thrive. Building on last year’s record results, these gains reflect the determination of our students and their families, the dedication of our teachers, and a community committed to excellence. We could not be prouder, and we are just getting started.”
Among the strongest improvements came in social studies, where proficiency among students in grades 3-8 increased by 4.1 percentage points to 42.1 percent, representing the district’s largest gain in any tested subject this year. District leaders said the increase demonstrates continued momentum across schools and reflects the effectiveness of ongoing instructional improvements.
English Language Arts also showed notable gains in several grade levels. Third-grade students increased proficiency by 2.5 percentage points, while seventh-grade students improved by 2.2 points and eighth-grade students rose 1.9 points. In mathematics, fourth-grade students posted one of the largest elementary school improvements with a 2.6-point increase in proficiency.
High school students also recorded substantial gains on End-of-Course exams. Integrated Math III led the way with a 7.9 percentage-point increase, followed closely by English II, which improved by 6.5 percentage points. Additional gains were recorded in Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Algebra I and U.S. History, signaling continued progress across multiple core academic disciplines.
District officials noted that MNPS students exceeded statewide year-over-year improvement rates in several key assessments, including Social Studies, English I, English II, Integrated Math II and Integrated Math III. Those results suggest that Nashville students are improving at a faster pace than many of their peers across Tennessee.
The latest scores continue a multi-year pattern of academic improvement that district leaders attribute to a sustained focus on strengthening classroom instruction, supporting teachers and creating better learning environments for students. Last year’s TCAP performance was the strongest in district history, and this year’s results further reinforce that progress.
Battle said the district’s continued success reflects a collective effort involving educators, students, families and the broader Nashville community.
“We remain focused on ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction and the support they need to succeed,” Battle said. “These results show what is possible when our schools, families and community work together with a shared commitment to student achievement.”
While celebrating the encouraging results, district leaders emphasized that their work is not complete. They said MNPS will continue investing in strategies designed to accelerate student learning and close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for every school and every student.
The district also noted that science and Biology End-of-Course assessment results have not yet been released by the Tennessee Department of Education. As a result, those scores were not included in the preliminary 2026 results and will be reported once they become available.
With gains recorded across elementary, middle and high school grade levels, district officials say the latest TCAP results provide further evidence that Nashville Public Schools is building sustained academic momentum and positioning more students for long-term success.
