Tennessee is the #19 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,000,905 students across the 1,907 public schools for the 2026-27 school year (there are 605 private schools, serving 113,692 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 34%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 37%.
The top-ranked public schools in Tennessee are Central Magnet School, Merrol Hyde Magnet School, and Mcfadden School Of Excellence. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 94 Blue Ribbon Schools, 120 magnet schools, 113 charter schools, and 16 special education schools. Minority enrollment is 43%, with the majority being Black.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Tennessee (2026-27)
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.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
Mcfadden School Of Excellence
Magnet School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (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: #3 - 43. - 4.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy/magnet School For The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (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: 93% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (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: #66.
Lockeland Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (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: #77.
Clovercroft Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (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: #88.
Meigs Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
713 Ramsey St
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Rank: #99.
Hume - Fogg High School
Magnet School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
700 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 291-6300
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 291-6300
Rank: #1010.
Jordan Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (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
Overview
This State (TN)
US
# Schools
1,907 Schools
100,274 Schools
# Students
1,000,905 Students
49,273,234 Students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
# Teachers
n/a
3,176,846 Teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (TN)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
41%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
47%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
43%
Graduation Rate
87.3%
87%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
50%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.62
0.71
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
# American Indian Students
1,734 Students
465,607 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
21,757 Students
2,805,284 Students
% Asian Students
2%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
# Hispanic Students
158,382 Students
14,933,108 Students
% Hispanic Students
16%
30%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
# Black Students
203,761 Students
7,261,526 Students
% Black Students
20%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
# White Students
566,006 Students
20,989,144 Students
% White Students
57%
43%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
# Hawaiian Students
1,198 Students
196,826 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
48,148 Students
2,585,770 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (TN)
Statewide Total Revenue
$14,500 MM
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Statewide Total Spending
$14,237 MM
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Revenue / Student
$14,487
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Spending / Student
$14,224
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Best Tennessee Public Schools by County (2026-27)
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, Merrol Hyde Magnet School, and Mcfadden School Of Excellence.
How many public schools are located in Tennessee?
1,907 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, Dunbar Elementary School vs. Westside Elementary School, Warren County Alternative Academy vs. Warren County High School
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