Tennessee is the #18 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,010,424 students across the 1,925 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 609 private schools, serving 113,968 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 31%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 37%.
The top-ranked public schools in Tennessee are Central Magnet School, Mcfadden School Of Excellence, and Merrol Hyde Magnet School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 43%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Tennessee (2025)
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.
Mcfadden School Of Excellence
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (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: #33.
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: #44.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy/magnet School For The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (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: 92% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (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: #6 - 86. - 8.
Clovercroft Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (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: #6 - 86. - 8.
Hamilton County Collegiate High At Chattanooga State
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
4501 Amnicola Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(423) 697-4492
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(423) 697-4492
Rank: #6 - 86. - 8.
Lockeland Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (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: #99.
Meigs Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-8
713 Ramsey St
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 271-3222
Rank: #1010.
Jordan Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (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)
# Schools
1,925 Schools
# Students
1,010,424 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
66,546 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (TN)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
Graduation Rate
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.61
# American Indian Students
1,743 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
# Asian Students
21,159 Students
% Asian Students
2%
# Hispanic Students
149,418 Students
% Hispanic Students
15%
# Black Students
209,194 Students
% Black Students
21%
# White Students
580,750 Students
% White Students
57%
# Hawaiian Students
1,186 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
46,971 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (TN)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$12,104 MM
Spending (22-23)
$11,597 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$11,979
Spending / Student (22-23)
$11,478
Best Tennessee Public Schools by County (2025)
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, Mcfadden School Of Excellence, and Merrol Hyde Magnet School.
How many public schools are located in Tennessee?
1,925 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, Lincoln County High School vs. Fayetteville High School, Morristown East High School vs. Morristown West High School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
