For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,008 students in Smith County, TN.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 36% statewide average). Elementary schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Tennessee public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 44% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary 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.
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%
Smith County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
743 Pleasant Shade Hw
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Gr: PK-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
126 Middle School Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Gr: 9-12
Smith County Vocational Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
135 Gordonsville Hw
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Smith County, TN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Gordonsville Elementary School and Defeated Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Smith County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 44% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Smith County include: Gordonsville Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School vs. Forks River Elementary School, New Middleton Elementary School vs. Union Heights Elementary School
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