Carter-Lawrence Engineering Magnet School

Dreamers, Believers, and Very High Achievers! Those words describe students who attend Carter-Lawrence Engineering Magnet School—our next to last stop. According to historian Linda Wynn, Carter-Lawrence started as two separate institutions: the William Penn School and the Granny White School. The William Penn School was renamed for Judge John Lawrence, and the Granny White School became the Carter School, named for African American educator Howard C. Carter. The original schools were established after the Civil War and were merged into one school in 1940. 

The building that stands today has seen almost as much change as its name. Originally, a two-story brick building, eight classrooms were part of an addition. By 1958, the school had grown so much that the city opened another elementary school nearby. In 2003, the two-story building was torn down, and the building you see today was built in its place. The school also became a magnet school with a focus on STEAM, which stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Carter-Lawrence serves grades Pre-K thru 5th and part of Metro Nashville Public Schools. Any student in Davidson County may apply, so visit our website to schedule a visit. For safety reasons, please do not enter the school’s campus without prior approval.

As an Engineering Magnet School, students at Carter-Lawrence learn rigorous core academics through the lens of the Engineering Design Process. This gives young learners a framework to see the world differently and to discover solutions that create better lives for themselves and others. I have the honor to serve as the principal of Carter-Lawrence Elementary School, a position I have held since 2017.

“Carter Lawrence is a high achieving school with a culture of kindness. We have a committed faculty and staff that celebrates the individuality of every student. We believe that all students can learn and learning should be fun,” said Sherleta Sanders.

To reach the last stop on the tour, cross to the other side of 12th Ave. Locate the Polar Bear statues at 1101 Edgehill Ave. in front of Gernert Tower.