Dodson Elementary School

Dodson Elementary School is a PK–5 public school in Hermitage, Tennessee, serving 464 students as part of Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school has been on a steady upward trajectory over the past decade, climbing from the bottom 6th percentile of Tennessee elementary schools in 2014–2015 to the 30th percentile in the 2025–2026 ranking cycle. That places Dodson at a 2-star rating — a meaningful improvement, even though the school still trails the state average in overall performance.

Dodson's academic profile has an unusual split: math is a clear strength, while English language arts lags. In 2025–2026, 42.8% of Dodson students were proficient in math — nearly matching the state average of 43.0% and well above the MNPS district average of 32.4%. Among nearby schools, only Andrew Jackson Elementary (59.9%) posted a higher math rate; Dodson outpaced Tulip Grove Elementary, Ruby Major Elementary, Hickman Elementary, and Hermitage Elementary. Fifth grade is a particular bright spot, with math at 49.0% and science at 52.9% — both above state averages. ELA, however, is a concern: just 29.2% of students are proficient, and only 21.6% of 3rd graders meet the bar in reading.

Chronic absenteeism has dropped from 33.4% in 2021–2022 to 21.1% in 2024–2025, though it remains above the state average of 18.3% and far above nearby Wilson County Schools like Springdale Elementary and Mt. Juliet Elementary, both of which rank in the 92nd–93rd percentile. Dodson also spends significantly more per student ($18,885) than those schools, which achieve far higher proficiency rates. One standout: English Learner students at Dodson rank in the 93rd percentile statewide, and Hispanic students have performed well in recent years. Special education outcomes, however, remain a weakness. Dodson is a school in the middle of a turnaround — strong in math and supportive of diverse learners, but with real work ahead in early literacy and closing subgroup gaps.