Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet for Health Sciences and Engineering at Pearl High School is a public magnet high school located in Nashville, Tennessee. MLK includes grades 7–12, and students enter through a lottery process similar to the other magnet schools in Nashville.
Serving 1,219 students in grades 7-12, Martin Luther King Jr School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 81% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 87% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 1,219 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Graduation Rate: ≥99% (Top 1% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 81% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 87% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 90% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Martin Luther King Jr School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Martin Luther King Jr School's student population of 1,219 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 60 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,219 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Year Founded
1986
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Martin Luther King Jr School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Martin Luther King Jr School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#16 out of 1728 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
90%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
2%
Hispanic
9%
15%
Black
32%
21%
White
48%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥99%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Royals
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martin Luther King Jr School's ranking?
Martin Luther King Jr School is ranked #16 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Martin Luther King Jr School often compared to?
Martin Luther King Jr Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hume - Fogg High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
81% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 87% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Martin Luther King Jr School?
The graduation rate of Martin Luther King Jr School is 99%, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Martin Luther King Jr School?
1,219 students attend Martin Luther King Jr School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Martin Luther King Jr School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Martin Luther King Jr School?
Martin Luther King Jr School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Martin Luther King Jr School offer ?
Martin Luther King Jr School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Martin Luther King Jr School part of?
Martin Luther King Jr School is part of Davidson County School District.
In what neighborhood is Martin Luther King Jr School located?
Martin Luther King Jr School is located in the Watkins Park neighborhood of Nashville, TN. There are 1 other public schools located in Watkins Park.
School Reviews
Review Martin Luther King Jr School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
