As you might expect from a place called the “Athens of the South,” a dedication to quality education on all levels is a hallmark of the Nashville metropolitan region. Middle Tennessee has 20 colleges and universities complemented by technical and training programs. In fact, Nashville is home to more institutions of advanced learning per capita than nearly any metropolis in the nation.

A complete list of licensed providers and facilities is offered by the Department of Human Services that includes detailed information on the Star Quality Child Care Program. For assistance in finding licensed or registered care, contact:

Child Care Resource & Referral

Department of Human Services

Nashville 615-313-4820

www.state.tn.us/humanserv

Tennessee State

Department of Education

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville 615-741-2731

www.state.tn.us/education

Registration Requirements

Students registering for kindergarten must be five years of age by October 5 of the enrollment year. Documents needed for registration include the child’s official birth certificate and Social Security card, and the Tennessee Child Health Record Form with the immunization and physical exam sections completed and signed. New residents must verify their address in the form of a lease, mortgage, or utility bill in a custodial parent’s name. Transcripts from the previous school will also be helpful.

Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)

State-mandated assessment programs provide a measuring tool for evaluating strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum as well as a tool for planning improvements in classroom instruction. TCAP covers an elementary-level writing test, achievement test, competency test; and the high school subject matter tests.  Specific tests are designated as “gateway tests,” which means that a passing grade is required for graduation. For answers to questions or more information, contact:

Office of Evaluation & Assessment

Nashville 615-532-4770

www.state.tn.us/education/tsintro.htm