Bridge to Completion 2020

Understanding the College Access and Success Ecosystem for Metro Nashville Public Schools Students

Ultimately Nashville and the state of Tennessee must decide if we truly believe that all students benefit from and should have access to a postsecondary credential. That means examining and dismantling the inequities baked into our K-12 systems that prevent low-income students and students of color from accessing rigorous college preparatory coursework, excellent teachers in every classroom, and supportive school-based adults to guide them in their college-going journey.

Comparing the Data from 2018 to 2020

Despite the fact that fewer students took steps toward college enrollment and ultimately enrolled in college after high school graduation, the 2020 Bridge to Completion has several bright spots. Namely, the percent of students who experienced “summer melt” – who took steps to enroll in college but ultimately did not enroll – decreased to an all-time low. And the total percent of MNPS graduates earning a college degree within six years rose to a high of 26%.

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61.2%
74%
25%

2018

60.9%
73%
24%

2019

56.9%
73%
26%

2020

College Going Rate

Persistence Rate

Completion Rate

Read the entire Report

Additional Bridge to Completion Reports

Additional Resources

Nashville Goes to College, available in both English and Spanish, houses robust resources and shares personal college-going stories from several MNPS graduates.

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This site explores schools that are climbing to thriving, examines research and practices in thriving schools and the conditions that allow every child to thrive every day.

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