MNPS Zoned Public School
James Lawson High School
MNPS Zoned Public School · Grades 9–12 · Southwest Nashville, Nashville, TN · TN grade D
About James Lawson High School
James Lawson High School is an MNPS zoned public school in Southwest Nashville, serving grades 9–12 in Davidson County.
As a zoned MNPS school it has a defined attendance area, so families living inside that zone are entitled to a seat without applying. Walk-in enrollment is accepted.
Tennessee gave it a letter grade of D for 2024-25. 25% of students met or exceeded state expectations on TCAP across all tested subjects, below the 31% average across the 144 public schools in this guide with reported scores. Its TVAAS academic-growth rating is Level 1 (well below average).
It enrolled 1393 students in 2023-24. MNPS describes its pathway as: Zoned HS for Lawson cluster.
For families weighing logistics: MNPS busing is available, and there is no uniform requirement.
James Lawson High School is one of 12 MNPS zoned public high schools in Davidson County.
Overview
School typeMNPS Zoned Public School
Grades9–12
NeighborhoodSouthwest Nashville
CountyDavidson
CostFree public school
Academic Performance
Letter grade issued by the Tennessee Dept. of Education (2024-25)DSource: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Overall proficiency, all tested subjects (2024-25)25% (reading, math, science and social studies combined)Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Reading and math, met or exceeded (2024-25)Grades 9–12: Reading 32% · Math 20%
The state reports scores in grade bands, counting only the tested grades this school serves.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Chronically absent students (2024-25)38% (missed 10% or more of school days)Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, Chronic Absenteeism file, 2024-25
verify ↗ Academic growth (TVAAS)Level 1 · Well below averageSource: Tennessee Dept. of Education, TVAAS growth, from the 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Enrollment1393 (2023-24)Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES CCD, 2023-24
verify ↗ Data last checked: September 4, 2026
Tuition & Vouchers
TuitionFree — public
Transportation & Admissions
MNPS busingYes
Walk-in enrollmentYes
Application requiredNo
UniformsNo
Contact & Details
Address8001 Highway 70S, Nashville, TN 37221
Feeder pathwayZoned HS for Lawson cluster
Questions families ask
Do I need to apply to James Lawson High School?
No, if you live in its attendance zone: children zoned to James Lawson High School are entitled to a seat without applying. Families outside the zone can apply through the MNPS school-choice process.
How much does James Lawson High School cost?
Nothing. James Lawson High School is a free public school.
What grade did Tennessee give James Lawson High School?
The Tennessee Department of Education gave James Lawson High School a letter grade of D for 2024-25. Its TVAAS academic-growth rating is Level 1 (well below average).
How do students at James Lawson High School do in reading and math?
Share of students who met or exceeded state expectations in 2024-25 (Tennessee Department of Education): grades 9–12: 32% in reading and 20% in math.
Is there a school bus to James Lawson High School?
Yes. MNPS busing is available for James Lawson High School.
Always confirm zoning and open seats. Attendance zones, magnet/charter lotteries, and enrollment deadlines change. Verify current details directly with the school or MNPS.
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