Tennessee is the #18 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,010,424 students across the 1,925 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 610 private schools, serving 114,011 students). 90% of all K-12 students in Tennessee attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Tennessee is 31%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 37%.
The top-ranked public schools in Tennessee are Central Magnet School, Mcfadden School Of Excellence, and Merrol Hyde Magnet School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 43%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(TN) School Average
Asian
2%
Hispanic
15%
Black
21%
White
57%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Tennessee (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Central Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
701 East Main St
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 904-6789
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 904-6789
Rank: #22.
Mcfadden School Of Excellence
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
221 Bridge Ave
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 893-7251
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 893-7251
Rank: #33.
Merrol Hyde Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 97% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-12
128 Township Dr
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 264-6543
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 264-6543
Rank: #44.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy/magnet School For The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
221 Todd Ln
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 904-6715
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 904-6715
Rank: #55.
Discovery School
Magnet School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1165 Middle Tennessee Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 895-4973
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 895-4973
Rank: #6 - 86. - 8.
Clovercroft Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
9336 Clovercroft Rd
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 472-5170
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 472-5170
Rank: #6 - 86. - 8.
Hamilton County Collegiate High At Chattanooga State
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
4501 Amnicola Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(423) 697-4492
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(423) 697-4492
Rank: #6 - 86. - 8.
Lockeland Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
105 South 17th St
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 258-1330
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 258-1330
Rank: #99.
Meigs Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-8
713 Ramsey St
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Rank: #1010.
Jordan Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 1%)
Reading: 82% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
9714 Split Log Rd
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 472-5270
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 472-5270
Best Tennessee Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: Frayser (22 schools), Whitehaven (18 schools), South Memphis (12 schools), Parkway Village (11 schools), North Memphis (10 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Tennessee?
The top-ranked public schools in Tennessee include Central Magnet School, Mcfadden School Of Excellence, and Merrol Hyde Magnet School.
How many public schools are located in Tennessee?
1,925 public schools are located in Tennessee.
What percentage of students in Tennessee go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Tennessee attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Minority enrollment in Tennessee is 43%, with the majority being Black.
Which public schools in Tennessee are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Tennessee include: Tennessee Ridge Elementary School vs. Erin Elementary School, John Sevier Middle School vs. Ross N. Robinson Middle School, Lincoln County High School vs. Fayetteville High School
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