2023 Best Middle Schools in Tennessee

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: USN has been a great school for me! I have gone there since kindergarten and I have been able to see my growth as not only a student but as an individual as well. Once in high school, students are given more freedom, and I truly appreciate that because it prepares you more for the real world. With freedom comes accountability and knowing how to juggle different activities I am involved in. USN is an academically challenging school as that is what the school's main focus is. While I would have loved to have a football team, I do feel like I am more prepared for college seeing how academically challenging USN is. Thanks, USN!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,081

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Memphis, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  107 reviews

Parent: Have loved my daughter being at this school. She is happy, works hard, is challenged and very involved in many different things. This environment also encourages individuality which promotes supporting each other and not having to be identical young ladies. My daughter is very lucky to have such a wide range of classmates (differing in many ways including opinions, race, ethnicity, politics, religion, interests and more). This environment has broadened her mindset and perspective while simultaneously allowing her to strengthen and cultivate her own thoughts, opinions, ideas and values for herself. Overall, the girls are respectful and supportive of each other (even with differing points of view). They do work hard but have a lot of fun also!... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 830

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Memphis, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: Lausanne is a school that subscribes to the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which prepares students for college by challenging them to create and question knowledge rather than to blindly absorb and regurgitate it. Using the IB curriculum, Lausanne challenges its students with rigorous classes that are made easier by teachers that are willing to support their students through years of experience and dedication. Lausanne is extremely safe, and maintains a healthy physical/mental environment for students of all backgrounds. The school hosts plenty of sports, clubs, and arts events, but is sometimes criticized for focus on athletics over other areas of extracurricular activities. Additionally, the school has somewhat outdated facilities (very weak/spotty wifi, older classrooms), but has plans for renovation and new development. It is to be noted that these plans have existed for some time, with no major action occurring as of yet.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 851

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: After being at Harpeth Hall for both middle and high school, I can confidently say that I really enjoy the small class sizes and close relationships with teachers. I never feel ignored or brushed aside in class, and teachers are almost always available if I have a question outside of class. The academics at Harpeth Hall are amazing and I am challenged every say in my classes. However, the school is not as strong socially as it is academically. It's not very diverse racially or economically, with the majority of students being white and upper/upper-middle class. I have seen some improvements in diversity since I started here, but I think there is still much to be done to make the school accessible and affordable for everyone.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chattanooga, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  195 reviews

Freshman: My freshman year at McCallie was great. I'm a science-oriented student and McCallie had so many opportunities for me to explore my interest. This year I joined the science bowl, biology research, HOSA, and Future Medical Professionals clubs. I was able to conduct research at McCallie's awesome cell lab and won some prizes at a local and state science fair! The clubs I joined were all run by students with a teacher advisor and were very active. Most clubs would meet at least once a week to prepare for whatever event we had. Additionally, I joined McCallie's Natural Conservational Guild (NCG) which is a club focused on preserving the environment. It was really fun to clean up local rivers and trails as well as start our own garden next to the dining hall. Regarding classes, they were all amazing with extremely supportive teachers who are willing to work with me and they gave reasonable homework. Also, the campus is amazing. There are so many places to chill. Overall, I love McCallie.... Read 195 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 979

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chattanooga, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  152 reviews

Junior: I really like the experiences you get ay Baylor. With it being a boarding school you get to meet all of these different people from all over the country which is really cool! I really like the freedom and the liveliness of the school. The only thing I would like to see change is the boys and girls sports. I don’t like how everyone only supports the boys sports and no one goes out to the girls games.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,022

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Rutherford County Schools, TN•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  502 reviews

Junior: Central Magnet School is one of the top 10 schools in the nation. All of the students and teachers are incredibly intelligent. The class sizes are small, which means peers and teachers can build closer relationships. With such a small community, we are more akin to a family. Everyone wants you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help. The only major experience that I would like to see changed is the amount of pressure put on students. Everyone wants the school to stay in the top 10, and therefore, an extreme amount of stress and pressure is put on the students to maintain high grades and scores. That being said, administrators are not short to praise excellence and do all they can to alleviate stress. There is no school I’d rather be than Central Magnet.... Read 502 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,237

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I have gone to Ensworth since 5th grade. Being at a predominately white institution for my formative years, I felt like I was being deprived of a well-rounded school experience. That is not the case! I consider Ensworth my second home. The teachers and faculty are so caring and understanding and the plethora of opportunities I'm able to take advantage of because of my school never ceases to amaze me. It's tight knit community for sure, but people are generally welcoming and supportive. I'll never forget my first football game- the black and orange airhorns blown, cowbells rang, gatorade bottles filled with beads shaken. As a rising senior, I'm going to miss the community and the space here.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,202

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Memphis, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  109 reviews

Junior: I truly love Hutchison. I feel as though I have attained a well rounded education while continuing to excel in extracurriculars and service work. Hutchison also builds an amazing community for students, teachers, and alumni. With the amazing education and connections Hutchison has given me, I am confident that when I graduate, I will be well prepared to succeed in college and in the workplace. For any parents considering Hutchison for your daughter, the years I have spent there shaped me into the young woman I am today, and I am forever grateful for that. Hutchison wants your daughter to flourish in whatever they choose to show interest or pursue, and enrolling them in the school will be immensely beneficial and worth the financial commitment. Go sting!... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 823

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Memphis, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  21 reviews

Middle School Student: I have been attending PVS for my whole life and have never regretted coming to this school. PVS has provided the necessary resources to create an excellent environment for any student.The diversity is immaculate with students from all 7 continents and representing every part of the globe.The teachers are always there to help and use many teaching methods.I am never afraid to discuss any issues with my teachers; they are always willing to help in any way that they can.Additionally, at PVS I am given the opportunity to excel by taking more advanced courses.If I understand a concept, the teachers present more challenging topics that help me think harder and smarter.If I am falling behind, the teachers take extra time to help me understand whatever I need help on. Furthermore, PVS has many clubs and activities that I am able to participate in.I play multiple sports while also attending religious and academic clubs.I look forward to seeing PVS excel even further in the future InshaAllah.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 383

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bell Buckle, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  109 reviews

Alum: Even though most people haven't heard from or met anyone from Webb due to its small student body and staff, I believe Webb enhances not only my education but also my life. Webb School in Bell Buckle follows a tradition of both a higher call in education and a higher code of conduct, tracing from its original founder Sawney Webb. Though Webb has changed and expanded its curriculum to other areas, Webb School fundamentally is a school of higher learning.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Knoxville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  105 reviews

Middle School Student: I’ve been at Webb since kindergarten and I’ve loved it ever since. Due to coronavirus, some fun activities people have been looking forward to have been cancelled. You still get to participate in fun classes and extra curricular activities. Ex: Cross Country, Basketball, Dance, and much more! The teachers will sometimes give you a little treat for your success. There is so much more you can achieve at this school. We’re counting on you to climb to the top of your class. We Excel and Burn Brighter WEBB... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,015

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Jackson, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: USJ is a very family oriented school. Teachers and administrators are very nice and always there to help you. USJ continues to improve or better the campus, curriculum, and opportunities for students and faculty. They provide a safe environment to learn. I have attended this school since I was 4 years old and it’s like home to me. My mother teaches there, too. USJ is a big part of our lives and I am thankful for all of the opportunities it has provided me to move on to the next phase of my education. I am confident in my future because of this wonderful school.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,103

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Franklin, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  64 reviews

Parent: My 9th grade daughter has been at BGA since 1st grade, and my 7th grade daughter has been since Kindergarten. It's difficult to put in to words how strongly my husband and I feel about this school. Very simply, we love it. Our girls are loved, encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. There is a place for every student to shine, as athletics, the visual and performing arts, speech and debate, robotics, etc. are all valued and supported by the school. The faculty and staff are fully invested in the students and their success. We know that when the time comes for them to head to the college of the choice, they go with top-notch academic preparation, as well as with strength of character that will see them through to whatever the future holds for them!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 905

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Collierville, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  57 reviews

Parent: We have two children enrolled at St. George’s and have enjoyed being part of the SGIS community for the last 11 years. It really does take a village to raise kids and we love that we have this level of trust within the community we’ve chosen. Academic excellence is an important cornerstone of our children’s education but can’t be the sole focus in developing well rounded kids. St. George’s understands this and strives to balance the formal education with hands on learning, while continuing to develop our kids physically, socially and spiritually as well. Led by Episcopal values, civic service is something valued and there is an intentional focus on character education from PreK all the way through Senior year. And as parents of kids who love sports and the outdoors, you just can’t beat SGIS’s Collierville campus! We love SGIS – 5 stars!... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,076

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Sewanee, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: Choosing St. Andrew's Sewanee School for our child was the best decision we have ever made. Changes were never easy for our child and this year had many of them; boarding students would be far from home, a new school, meaning new friends, teachers, etc, and also the pandemic. But upon arriving at SAS students and staff welcomed my child with open arms and made them feel at home and included. The communication is constant and clear and the teachers are very committed and available to answer our questions. The pandemic brought us endless changes and restrictions but SAS was always supporting not only academically, but socially and emotionally too, and that as a parent reassures me that we have made a good choice of school. My kid is very excited about their second year as a boarding student. Thank you all very much for the excellent work you do!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 236

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Sumner County Schools, TN•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  189 reviews

Alum: Merrol Hyde really is what you make it. Some people hate it, some people love it. I personally was very involved in the school and did multiple clubs, sports, and leadership and I LOVED my time there. The faculty is amazing and truly wants each student to do well and succeed. It definitely is a competitive environment in terms of the student body- lots of comparing/judging peers based on grades and test scores; I sometimes felt judged by my peers about my intellectual ability. As for the social environment, I personally love it but I can see where it may be hard for others to adapt or enjoy it. Everyone is very close and it is a tight knit community since it is such a small K-12 school, which is GREAT but can make it socially difficult for students arriving pretty much any time after freshman year. Overall, it is a great environment for students with a passion for education with a socially inclusive environnement(more so than a large public school at least).... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 670

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  206 reviews

Parent: Lipscomb Academy is an excellent learning environment for students! The academy is truly an exceptional place to learn and grow. One of the most impressive aspects of Lipscomb Academy is its commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. In addition to its academic offerings, Lipscomb Academy also provides a rich array of extracurricular activities and athletics programs. Whether a student is interested in music, drama, or sports, they are sure to find an outlet for their interests and passions. What sets Lipscomb Academy apart, however, is its strong sense of community. The faculty and staff are deeply invested in the success of each student, and they work tirelessly to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and take risks, all while feeling supported and valued.... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,373

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brentwood, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  97 reviews

Alum: I graduated in the class of 2020! I loved everything about my time at Brentwood Academy. What I especially enjoyed was the relationships I had with each and every one of my teachers. All of the faculty and staff really care about each and every student. I do not think I would have done as well as I did in high school without the teachers at Brentwood Academy. They make school fun and interesting, but they are also so willing to help you if you are struggling; academically, mentally, and spiritually. I would recommend anyone who lives in the Nashville-Brentwood to check out Brentwood Academy. I am so grateful that I got to spend six years of my life there.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Williamson County Schools, TN•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Great school, most of the teachers are great, academics are great. Lots of resources and technology provided for students. Free breakfast and lunch, however not very good.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 584

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chattanooga, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  136 reviews

Junior: I've been a student at GPS for almost 6 years and though I've had my times of stress, I wouldn't trade my experiences here for anything. The friendships and faculty relationships I've made would be hard to recreate anywhere else because a mutual level of respect and honesty comes with these relationships. The staff at GPS genuinely care for their students, which can be seen in the constant altering of how we do things at this school. Though changes each year tend to be annoying for those who appreciate consistency, it is nice knowing that these changes were made to help us be the best we can be. With its arts, academics, and athletics, GPS never ceases to offer its students the best opportunities that target every girl's curiosity. Another positive attribute of GPS is the college counseling they offer; the support I receive from my teachers and counselors is unmatched and I can't imagine my college process anywhere else!... Read 136 reviews

• grade A

• Students 503

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  78 reviews

Works Here: Franklin Road Academy is a wonderful place to work! It's a fantastic school for families wanting strong academic programs and a Christian mission. The small class sizes promote strong relationships among students and teachers. This is a place where the kids are both known and loved. It's wonderful having students from pre-k3 through grade 12 all on the same campus. The upper school students have opportunities to lead by example while the younger students grow and aspire to become the next leaders. Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of activities to discover their passions. From robotics and musicals, to athletics and band/choir, students have lots of options for co-curriculars. The school also has beautiful facilities that were specifically designed to increase opportunities for collaboration and fellowship. I truly feel valued for my work every day and the members of the community provide support and encouragement. I love being a part of the FRAmily.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Williamson County Schools, TN•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,214

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Memphis, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: We love the small class sizes and the teachers’ hands-on teaching styles at St. Agnes. The teachers work hard to find activities to engage your child in a way that will help them grow. Not only will your child’s teacher know how they learn best, but they’ll also know them as a whole person- their personality, their friends, you as parents, etc. It feels like family. We love the Christian environment and Biblical teachings. We love the single gender lower school classrooms so that our girls learn to be confident leaders, but we also like how they still interact with their male counterparts through mass, field trips, book clubs, etc. We also appreciate all the social skills they learn in some co-ed classes in junior high, as well as the Early Childhood Center. We are thankful for the administration’s long-term focus on our children’s education and spiritual growth, but they can also be found spontaneously jumping in a bounce house with the kids or reading to classes. We love our school!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 771

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Maryville City Schools, TN•

• 4-7

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We are so blessed that our kids have been able to attend Coulter Grove Intermediate School. The teachers here go above and beyond to connect with the students. While they challenge the kids academically, the go beyond academics to connect with them in ways that they carry with them. My youngest is currently attending Coulter Grove and the staff here is the best we have ever known!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 833

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1