Admissions
Waitlist Update as of 3/20/2026
Parent Magnet Informational Meeting Presentation
TFAA Brochure
Application Requirements
Items listed are required for admissions consideration. A recommendation link will be emailed to your child's current teacher. Please ask the teacher to check his/her email for the link.
* Standardized test scores may be downloaded from the TCAP Family Portal. If you are unable to access them, you may request test scores from your child's school.
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· Applications open December 1st
· Application Deadline January 31st @ 3pm.
· Must be a resident of Rutherford Co. at time of application.
· If applying for both schools, must complete an application for each.
· Will only test at one site (indicate choice).
· Screening will be done orally.
· Tours will be offered on Mondays in January and February.
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Kindergarten
· Must be 5 years old by August 15th
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Recommendation from non-family member (preschool or daycare teacher preferred)
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1st grade (currently in kindergarten)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of full 2024-2025 report card
· Recommendation from current teacher
Once application is complete, including recommendation, a link will be sent via email to sign up for a screening. |
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2nd grade (currently in 1st grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of full 2024-2025 report card
· Recommendation from current teacher
Once application is complete, including recommendation, a link will be sent via email to sign up for a screening. |
3rd grade (currently in 2nd grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of full 2024-2025 report card
· Recommendation from current teacher
Once application is complete, including recommendation, a link will be sent via email to sign up for a screening. |
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4th grade (currently in 3rd grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of full 2024-2025 report card
· Include 2nd grade TCAP scores
· Recommendation from current teacher
Once application is complete, including recommendation, a link will be sent via email to sign up for a screening. |
5th grade (currently in 4th grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of full 2024-2025 report card
· Include 3rd grade TCAP scores
· Recommendation from current teacher
Once application is complete, including recommendation, a link will be sent via email to sign up for a screening. |
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6th grade (currently in 5th grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copies of 2023-24 report card and 2024-25 report card
· Include TCAP scores for 3rd and 4th grades
· Recommendation from current teacher
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7th grade (currently in 6th grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copies of 2023-24 report card and 2024-25 report card
· Include TCAP scores for 4th and 5th grades
· Recommendation from current teacher
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8th grade (currently in 7th grade)
· Complete application in SchoolMint
· Upload picture of student
· Copy of 2023-24 report card and 2024-25 report card
· Include TCAP scores for 5th and 6th grades
· Recommendation from current teacher
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K-8th are all required to send email (through the application process) to a non-family member for a recommendation.
Apply Here
School Tours
We’re so excited that you’re interested in visiting our amazing school!
We host tours in small groups so you can enjoy a more personal experience. Our incredible 8th grade Rambassadors will guide you through both the main building and our annex, highlighting our arts programs, academics, athletics, and the wide range of clubs and activities students enjoy. Both prospective parents and students are welcome to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions
TFAA is a challenging, academically accelerated school with many opportunities to explore the arts.
Transportation is not provided for our students. Parents must provide their own transportation. There are after-school options at local childcare facilities, dance, or karate studios if needed.
The number of positions available varies from year to year. Openings depend on the number of students who return in subsequent years. We encourage applying even if there are no current openings as students may move away throughout the summer.
Applications may be submitted online between December 1 and January 31. COMPLETED applications include online application submission with upload of report cards and test scores, plus an uploaded teacher recommendation form submitted by 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2026.
Log in to your account periodically to check the status of your application. If something is incomplete, it is likely the teacher recommendation. Please reach out to your child’s teacher to confirm they have submitted the form. Incomplete applications are NOT processed. It is the guardians’ responsibility to make sure that the COMPLETED application is submitted by 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2026.
Please see application requirements for each grade in the table above.
Students may qualify based on TNReady test scores or appropriate “Gifted” screening tests. If no such scores are available, scores from other nationally normed tests (for example, Stanford Achievement Test-10) may be considered.
Q. Where can I find a copy of my child's TCAP scores?
A: Your child's TCAP scores can be found on the Tennessee Department of Education’s website through the TCAP Family Portal.
You can access the portal directly here:
Qualifying siblings of current students are given priority consideration. To qualify for sibling priority status, the family must have a student already enrolled at TFAA for the next school year.
No, current Kindergarten students must apply for 1st grade.
All kindergarten through fifth grade applicants will be screened. Screenings are scheduled in January and early February. Due to the number of screenings we must complete, we cannot work around preschool schedules, vacations, etc.
It generally takes us the entire month of February to review applicants. Letters stating entrance status will be mailed before the end of March.
Q. What type of screening tool is used?
The screening instrument is a cognitive assessment that predicts a child’s ability for academic success in our program.
Due to the volume of screenings, we do not send out individual scoring information.
Yes, students must reapply if still interested in the magnet program.
A formal test is not given each year to remain in the program. However, strong academics, good behavior, punctuality, and attendance are important. Students may be removed from the program if these traits are not priorities.
In-person tours will be available beginning in January. Visit our website to sign-up.
TFAA and McFadden School of Excellence use the same screening tool for applicants. Students wishing to apply at both schools may only screen one time. Scores will be shared between the schools. Students are not permitted to screen at both schools. Applications must be completed at both schools if you intend to apply at both schools.
Additional Information:
- All completed applications submitted by 3:00 PM on January 31, 2026 are equally considered.
- Please check your email account periodically throughout the application process. Email is our primary form of communication.
- If there is inclement weather on the day of your screening and schools are closed or delayed, your missed appointment will be rescheduled for the same time slot on a different day.
- School hours are 7:30-2:30. Doors open at 6:45. All students must be picked up by 3:00.
- Students outside of Rutherford County will not be considered. All addresses are checked for validity.
- Students who move outside Rutherford County are required to transfer to their zoned school.
