The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt

# The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV) is a joint venture between Vanderbilt University and Metro Nashville Public Schools that gives high school students a four-year, interdisciplinary, research-centered education on a top research university's campus. Students remain enrolled at their zoned MNPS high school four days a week and spend one full day each week (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at the SSMV. ## What You'll Do - Attend the SSMV on Vanderbilt's campus one full day per week for all four years of high school - Build research skills through interdisciplinary coursework in grades 9-10 - Work in an assigned Vanderbilt laboratory to fulfill 11th- and 12th-grade requirements - Complete summer sessions including research projects and internships of increasing depth ## Who Should Apply Motivated 8th graders in Metro Nashville Public Schools who are passionate about science and math and can commit to the full four-year program. Enrollment is limited to 26 students per grade, applicants must turn 13 by the end of 8th grade, and the program is completely free - applications for the 2026 cohort opened January 5, 2026, with the next cycle expected in early 2027. ## Outcomes SSMV students graduate with four years of university coursework and mentored lab research, a rare depth of scientific training for a public school student, and many present or publish their work. The program's structure - free tuition, MTA bus access, and a full weekly campus day - makes sustained university research accessible alongside a normal high school experience.