MLK Middle @ Head
A New Chapter in a Historic Head-MLK Pathway
For more than 25 years, Head Magnet Middle has been the primary middle school pathway to Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet, bringing students from across Nashville together in a diverse, high-performing learning community.
As part of Metro Schools ReimaginED and the districtwide shift to a 6-8 middle school structure, Head and MLK are taking an important next step in that shared story.
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Head Magnet Middle will transition to Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus pending Board approval, creating an even stronger, more seamless connection between middle and high school.
Both schools consistently rank among the highest performing in Tennessee, with strong state and report card ratings, Reward School recognition, and sustained student growth at Level 5.
Over the last two years, Head Magnet Middle and Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High have been in deep planning on how to ensure the transition of MLK Magnet High from a 7-12 to 9-12 grade structure continues to give students a robust set of academic and enrichment opportunities while providing greater alignment between the two schools.
What is Changing?
Over several school years, Head and MLK will align grade structures and programs so that:
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Martin Luther King Magnet High transitions to a 9-12 high school model, which allows more students to benefit from its rigorous college preparatory program.
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Head Magnet transitions to Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus – continuing to offer a guaranteed pathway to MLK Magnet High but with stronger partnerships and aligned offerings between the two schools, including academic courses exclusively at the high school credit and honors level.
A Stronger, More Seamless Student Experience
Families can expect the new structure to strengthen what has always made the Head-MLK pathway special.
Advanced Academics in Middle School
MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus will continue to offer and build upon:
- Honors courses in core subjects beginning in 6th grade
- Accelerated math pathways
- World language options in Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin Chinese
- Rigorous electives, including STEAM/Pre-Med, Computer Science, and AVID
- Performing Arts, including Band, Choir, Digital Music, and Strings
These opportunities mirror the advanced courses currently offered at MLK Magnet High and expand access for more students.
Collaborative and Shared Teachers and World Language Access
Students will benefit from shared instructional expertise across both campuses.
World language and specialty teachers can support both schools, maintaining alignment from middle to high school.
Visual and Performing Arts
Students will continue to access robust arts programming, including band, choir, digital music, orchestra, and increased exposure to visual art and theatre.
Both campuses will work together to ensure smooth transitions from middle school ensembles and productions into high school arts opportunities.
Clubs, Activities and Athletics
Students at MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus and MLK Magnet High already share many of the same enrichment opportunities. These include academic clubs, performing arts, robotics, student leadership groups, and athletic programs with shared facilities and coaching structures.
The transition will deepen these connections, so students feel part of the MLK community from the moment they arrive at the Head campus.
Keeping the MLK Pathway Strong
The transition preserves a clear pathway from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus into Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High. Eighth graders who meet academic and assessment requirements as part of the MLK Pathway and accept their offer will continue to have a guaranteed seat at MLK Magnet High for 9th grade.
Moving MLK Magnet High to a 9–12 model also creates more high school seats, giving more qualified students from across Davidson County the opportunity to attend one of the state’s top academic high schools.
What Families Can Expect Next
Optional Schools Application Process
- Families who wish to apply for MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus or MLK Magnet High will continue to use the Optional Schools application.
- Note: The 2026-2027 Optional Schools application will list Head Middle Magnet as Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus.
MLK Magnet Middle at Head Will Stay Open Enrollment
Our school will offer advanced coursework designed to prepare students for success in the MLK Magnet High admissions process and associated academic entrance requirements.
Campus Visits and Information Sessions
Families will be invited to tour both campuses, participate in Preview Day, meet teachers and leaders, and learn about the academic and extracurricular opportunities ahead.
Key Milestones in the Transition
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2024–25: Head Magnet operates as a 6-8 magnet middle school. MLK Magnet High remains a 7-12 school. Planning with families and staff begins at both schools.
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2025–26: Planning year with staff at both schools continues as Head begins rebranding and strengthening academic programming for MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus.
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2026–27: MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus serves grades 6-8. MLK Magnet High School serves grades 8-12 with increased capacity.
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2027–28: MLK Magnet High School completes its transition to grades 9-12. MLK Magnet Middle at Head Campus continues as a 6-8 program with expanded honors and high school credit advanced coursework exclusively.
Honoring Our History, Investing in Our Future
Head Magnet Middle and MLK Academic Magnet have long shared a mission to bring students from every part of Nashville into a supportive, academic challenging environment that prepares them for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Creating Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus honors that history and strengthens it. The transition builds on a proud legacy, expands opportunity for more students, and creates a unified 6-12 experience that reflects the excellence both campuses are known for.
