For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,033 students in Smith County, TN.
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, TN are Forks River Elementary School, Gordonsville Elementary School and Defeated Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Smith County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forks River Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
611 Cookeville Hwy
Elmwood, TN 38560
(615) 897-2676
Elmwood, TN 38560
(615) 897-2676
Gr: PK-8 | 208 students Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Gordonsville Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
104 Main Street East
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8252
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8252
Gr: 3-6 | 311 students Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Defeated Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
451 Defeated Creek Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Gr: PK-8 | 288 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
149 Skyline Dr
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Gr: PK-4 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Smith County Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
134 Smith County Middle School
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Gr: 5-8 | 289 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
New Middleton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
402 New Middleton Hwy
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8411
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8411
Gr: PK-2 | 210 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Smith County High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
312 Fite Ave
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Gr: 9-12 | 476 students Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #88.
Union Heights Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
663 Lebanon Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Gr: PK-8 | 268 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #99.
Gordonsville High School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
110 Main Street East
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8245
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8245
Gr: 7-12 | 541 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Smith County, TN?
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Gordonsville Elementary School and Defeated Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Smith County?
9 public schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Smith County include: Gordonsville High School vs. Smith County High School, Smith County High School vs. Gordonsville High School, Gordonsville Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School
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