For the 2025 school year, there are 7 special education public high schools serving 1,088 students in Tennessee.
The top ranked special education public high schools in Tennessee are Shrine School, Harris-hillman Special Education and Tenn School For Blind. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tennessee special education public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Tennessee public high school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Tennessee special education public high school have a Graduation Rate of 50%, which is less than the Tennessee average of 90%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Tennessee School For The Deaf Upper School, with ≥50% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Tennessee or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public high school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Special Education Public High Schools in Tennessee (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Shrine School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4259 Forest View Dr
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Grades: PK-12
| 136 students
Rank: #22.
Harris-hillman Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1706 26th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Grades: PK-12
| 486 students
Rank: #33.
Tenn School For Blind
Special Education School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Grades: PK-12
| 114 students
Rank: #44.
Knox Adaptive Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5719 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Grades: PK-12
| 41 students
Rank: #55.
Cora Howe School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1928 Greenwood Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Grades: K-12
| 77 students
Rank: #66.
Tennessee School For The Deaf Upper School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2725 Island Home Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Grades: 7-12
| 63 students
Rank: n/an/a
Avon School
Special Education School
310 Avon Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Grades: K-12
| 171 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked special education public high schools in Tennessee?
The top ranked special education public high schools in Tennessee include Shrine School, Harris-hillman Special Education and Tenn School For Blind.
How many special education public high schools are located in Tennessee?
7 special education public high schools are located in Tennessee.
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Tennessee special education public high schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public high schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.

How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.