For the 2025 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: PK-8
| 220 students
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
Grades: 3-6
| 312 students
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
Grades: PK-8
| 260 students
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
Grades: PK-4
| 424 students
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
Grades: 5-8
| 313 students
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
Grades: PK-2
| 237 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 493 students
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
Grades: PK-8
| 242 students
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
Grades: 7-12
| 532 students
Smith County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
743 Pleasant Shade Hw
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Grades: PK-8
| 51 students
126 Middle School Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Smith County Vocational Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
135 Gordonsville Hw
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
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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