Tennessee is the #20 largest school system in the United States, serving 995,698 students across the 1,907 public schools for the 2023-24 school year (there are 585 private schools, serving 105,869 students). 90% of all K-12 students in Tennessee are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Tennessee is 27%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 30%.
The top ranked public schools in Tennessee are Mcfadden School Of Excellence, Central Magnet School and Merrol Hyde Magnet School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 40% (majority Black) and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(TN) School Average
Asian
2%
Hispanic
13%
Black
21%
White
60%
Two or more races
4%

Top Ranked Public Schools in Tennessee (2023-24)
School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Mcfadden School Of Excellence
Magnet School
Math: 97% | Reading: 94%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
221 Bridge Ave
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 893-7251
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 893-7251
Rank: #22.
Central Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: 90% | Reading: 97%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 97% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
701 East Main St
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 904-6789
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 904-6789
Rank: #33.
Merrol Hyde Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: 93% | Reading: 88%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 88% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-12
128 Township Dr
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 264-6543
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 264-6543
Rank: #44.
Discovery School
Magnet School
Math: 90% | Reading: 89%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1165 Middle Tennessee Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 895-4973
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 895-4973
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Clovercroft Elementary School
Math: 91% | Reading: 83%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 83% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
9336 Clovercroft Rd
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 472-5170
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 472-5170
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy/magnet School For The Arts
Magnet School
Math: 90% | Reading: 84%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 84% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
221 Todd Ln
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 904-6715
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 904-6715
Rank: #77.
Thrasher Elementary School
Math: 91% | Reading: 77%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 77% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
1301 James Blvd
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
(423) 886-0882
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
(423) 886-0882
Rank: #88.
Towne Acres Elementary School
Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
2310 Larkspur Dr
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 854-4800
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 854-4800
Rank: #99.
Lookout Mountain Elementary School
Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
321 N Bragg Ave
Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
(423) 821-6116
Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
(423) 821-6116
Rank: #1010.
Jordan Elementary School
Math: 85% | Reading: 77%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 77% (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 (2023-24)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Tennessee?
The top ranked public schools in Tennessee include Mcfadden School Of Excellence, Central Magnet School and Merrol Hyde Magnet School.
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 are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Minority enrollment in Tennessee is 40% (majority Black)
Recent Articles

The Link between Music and a Child’s Math Abilities
Learn about the influence of music on a child’s cognitive mathematical abilities.
August 04, 2023
Preparing for a Successful 'Back to School'A one-stop guide for parents navigating the 'back to school' season, providing practical and effective strategies tailored to every grade level - from pre-K to high school.

July 25, 2023
The Evolving Role of Interim AssessmentsExplore the often-overlooked tool in K-12 education - interim assessments. Understand what they are, their importance, and how they can enhance your child's learning experience. Dive into real-world case studies and find out how technology is changing the game. This informative, parent-friendly article aims to shed light on the value of these assessments in today's educational landscape.