John Overton High School is a public high school located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is named after prominent Judge John Overton, advisor to President Andrew Jackson. The school opened in September 1958 and was renovated and expanded in 1995.
Serving 1,942 students in grades 9-12, John Overton High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,942 students
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 73% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: John Overton High serves the southern part of Nashville, TN, covering an area of approximately 20.6 square miles. Most families live within a 10-12 minute drive, with an average distance of 4.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, and the furthest point being 7.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
John Overton High School's student population of 1,942 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,942 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
108 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1958
School Motto
EXPECT THE BEST!
School Rankings
John Overton High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Overton High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1332 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
51%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
19%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
22%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
73%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)56.5%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Mascot
Bobcats
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Overton High School's ranking?
John Overton High School is ranked #1332 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of John Overton High School?
The graduation rate of John Overton High School is 73%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend John Overton High School?
1,942 students attend John Overton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of John Overton High School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 19% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does John Overton High School offer ?
John Overton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John Overton High School part of?
John Overton High School is part of Davidson County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school is amazing with great students who can lead TN in the future
Review John Overton High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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