Skip to Main Content

2019 Best Schools in TennesseeAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 2,268
Best Schools
2,268 results

  1. University School of Nashville

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • K-12
    • 49
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: University School of Nashville is currently ranked as one of the best high schools in the state for a reason, though there are certainly areas of improvement that could be made. Academics have been incredible for all 13 years, and the teachers as a whole have also been amazing. The school also has great facilities on campus as well as the River Campus, which is home to many of the athletic programs. Really, the only areas of improvement I could see are perhaps investment into upgrades in the River Campus, movement towards requirements in computer proficiency or programming, and the slight disconnect between administration and the High School student body.
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,068 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

    • Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 469
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Alum: If your goal is to be ready for college while surrounded by a devoted staff that truly cares for their students' success, then this is the place to be. Alumni always told me the college was a breeze after attending Hume-Fogg, and now that I'm in college I can second that! Hume-Fogg is challenging, but its definitely worth the work, my teachers and counselors were like a second family and they inspired me to pursue a career in education so I can give back to the community what they gave to me. Hume-Fogg is a magical castle in the heart of Nashville that will foster memories that'll last a lifetime and a skill set that will have you confident in your abilities to achieve your goals in college and in your career.
    Read 469 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 903 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. St. Mary's Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 89
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Middle School Student: This school really looks at things through the student's eyes. Each teacher is super understanding and will do almost anything to help their students understand anything! As a middle school student, it has been rough with friends, but I feel comfortable talking to any of the teachers because I know they will be understanding and will help me. The sports program is amazing and our basketball team has won the district championship twice! All of the coaches are amazing! The school has become very diverse and we have chapel talks about different religions during all of the non Christian main holidays. St. Mary's episcopal school is an amazing school and I would definitely recommend sending your child or going to St. Mary's.
    Read 89 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 822 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  4. Sponsored

    Girls Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 96

    Senior: Attending Girls Preparatory School was one of the best decisions of my life! Coming from a public, co-ed school, GPS was quite a new experience. I've learned to embrace my talents and communicate with others in a loving, encouraging environment. Everyone at GPS has such a passion for learning, and the faculty at GPS truly wants every girl to succeed. I've loved attending GPS because I feel extremely prepared to attend college next year and will miss my GPS family back in Chattanooga.
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 582 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Lausanne Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 32
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Lausanne Collegiate School is very diverse and the academic opportunities provided. International Baccalaureate is a major part of the curriculum at Lausanne and teaches students how to think and not what to think. It is also a program looked upon highly by colleges because it helps prepare you for college. There are an endless number of clubs you can join, and if it doesn't already exist you are encouraged to create it! We have a gate around the campus and security guards that monitor activity on campus to ensure students are safe at all times. The food is generally very good, but that's dependent on personal preference - even on days when it isn't, salad or pasta is always an option. Our sports teams are continuing to grow and become more successful. Last year we won three state championships, and we're going to the football state championships again this year! Lausanne is also a computer-based school - every student has a laptop - which is one of my favorite parts of the school.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 860 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Memphis University School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • 7-12
    • 68
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: As students of Memphis University School, we share a duty to preserve our tradition of general excellence by upholding the principles that define and unify our community. An MUS student actively seeks knowledge and understanding, and he encourages that pursuit among his classmates.An MUS student contributes his time and abilities to the welfare of his school and of the greater community. He is courteous and kind and appreciates everyone in his community. Lastly, an MUS student develops leadership, cooperation, communication, self-discipline, and friendships in activities outside the classroom.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 630 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. McCallie School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 147
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: The McCallie School is an all boys school, that is a day and boarding school. My experience at this school has been fantastic, and it has shaped me into a man just like the motto states "Inspiring Boys. Building Men." Coming to the ridge and moving away from home was at first terrifying, but the faculty and students brought me in with open arms. From the friday night football games, to grinding out test I have made more memories than anyone else in a lifetime, and McCallie has propelled me for the challenges ahead in college. No matter how cliché it may sound I wouldn't change my 4 years at McCallie for anything in the world, it is a life changing experience. If I were a parent with a boy soon entering middle school or high school, I would most definitely look into McCallie and at least give the admissions office a phone call. It is the best decision a person could ever make!
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Central Magnet School

    • Rutherford County Schools, TN
    • 6-12
    • 425
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Sophomore: This school is very academically driven. One of the only schools in Rutherford County that has a strings orchestra. The overlap between the arts departments are astounding. Just yesterday, I saw a musical that was organized between the choir, the theater, and the school band. The graduation ceremony is a collaboration between strings, band, and choir. Because it is in TN, which measures unweighted GPA, the max GPA is 4.0, so last year we had 20+ valedictorians. Our average ACT score was 31 last year as well. If you live in Rutherford County, I highly recommend going to this school.
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,223 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Montgomery Bell Academy

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • 7-12
    • 58
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Junior: Academics are top notch with at least 15 boys are National Merit finalists each year. Amazing opportunities for grants and exchanges at top universities and other boy schools around the world thanks to several very generous families. Facilities are top notch and the school also owns a separate campus in McMinnville with an observatory. Most teachers are very passionate about their subjects. And the food is incredible. Sports teams are consistently in state finals, and a large variety is offered.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 788 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Harpeth Hall School

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • 5-12
    • 46
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Freshman: This school is INCREDIBLE! I've been here since 5th grade and not once have I ever wanted to leave. I have better bonds with the teachers here than I would anywhere else! The classes offered are amazing, and even as a freshman I feel so prepared for college! The people are incredible and I believe that this is the best school in Tennessee. The food is delicious, the teachers are so nice, the administration is so helpful, there is a wide selection of sports, the arts program is amazing, and I always feel at home here! Coming here has to be one of the best decisions I've ever made!
    Go bears!
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 689 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Webb School of Knoxville

    • Private School
    • Knoxville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 84
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: I moved to Webb my junior year in high school and have nothing but positive things to say! Even though moving schools in high school can be hard, Webb opens everyone with open arms and the community, teachers, and atmosphere are all positive and encouraging. The college counselors and process has been incredible, and every learning experience I have had has been helping me be better prepared for college. Every day, teachers and peers push each other to not only be the best academics and students they can be, but the best people that they can be.
    Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,015 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Brentwood High School

    • Williamson County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 281
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: The school has a very competitive-student culture first off. There's a notion of expectation that you simply just take lot's of honors and AP classes whether you like said classes or not. While this can be generally good for getting students to try to push themselves academically, it also leads to situations where people are not exactly in a class where they belong (some teachers themselves have even said this). On another note, the number of great teachers vastly outweighs the number of bad ones, and there's a pretty decent number of extracurricular activities available. On another hand though, bathroom stalls have been getting broken recently (though the school typically fixes them within a few weeks), and the administration has decided that the best way to deal with kids doing drugs in the restrooms is by completely barring off the restrooms (later at which they are reopened for a week before promptly getting shut down again for another couple weeks).
    Read 281 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,775 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. The Webb School

    • Private School
    • Bell Buckle, TN
    • 6-12
    • 64
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Niche User: The atmosphere at Webb is extremely welcoming. This begins with the admissions department and carries through to the students, advisors, and teachers. On "move-in day" when it is normal to be apprehensive about what boarding school will be like, the students and families are greeted by older students who help them move into their dorm room and then stay with the student and family for the entire day. This is our student's third year and amazingly, the admissions department does not abandon families after enrollment. Every time we are on campus, whenever we see someone from admissions, they ask about our student and our family. We had a choice of several schools and are so very glad we chose Webb!
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 301 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Baylor School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 135
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Freshman: I love Baylor! I enjoy the smaller class size, extracurricular activities and the support that I have on campus and in my living learning dorm. I have made many friends. The campus is easy to get around - no need for bus or really even a bike. I love the excitement on campus and the school spirit - Sic'Em Bears! I have enjoyed my classes especially the leadership classes. My professors always make time for students and the have many academic resources on campus to assist with homework and your classes. They also provide resources for personal support if needed. Everyone at Baylor wants you to succeed! It is easy to get involved in various activities and I have enjoyed many football games, basketball games and volley ball games.
    Read 135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,048 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Ravenwood High School

    • Williamson County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 425
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Alum: I loved my time at Ravenwood! I was extremely involved all throughout high school and have kept all the friends I made! Great academics, and college has been so much easier, because I was so prepared. There is the traditional cliques of high school, but if you can get past that and the “Brentwood bubble” it is a great school and you will make lots of friends from different backgrounds. My favorite part of high school was my friends, like it is for most kids. I was very involved in marching band, color guard, and church activities outside of school. Getting involved is the best way to make friends and stick out to your teachers! It is a hard school, and you are pushed academically, but it teaches you about time management, being nice to others, and not being afraid to go for what you want!
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,131 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. The Ensworth School

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • K-12
    • 47
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: I enjoyed the number of resources I had at my fingertips. I believe that being able to go to a private school such as Ensworth really did give me the opportunity to get into whatever college I wanted to, as long as I put in the appropriate amount of effort. The sports programs are incredible, with the brand new tennis building/parking garage and the Olympic-sized natatorium, and the art department is unmatched, with incredible facilities ranging from the professional darkroom to the beautiful theater. I will say, however, that the community experience was one that took some time to get used to. I started Ensworth in my sophomore year of high school, and it was a complete culture shock. Many of the people had known each other from the younger grades, and a lot of the regulations for students, such as dress code outside of the uniform, are completely useless, yet emphasized more than any other issue. Overall, I have made incredible friends here, and my experience has been great.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,141 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. University School of Jackson

    • Private School
    • Jackson, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 27
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Junior: The University School of Jackson is by far the best place I could ever have imagined to attend school. I am a junior about to enter my last year of high school and I know I will miss this place when I leave. I began attending here in Kindergarten and this school has taught me much more than just facts, math formulas and grammar. It has taught me how to be independent, how to work hard, and how to be excellent in everything I do. My teachers here pushed me to do my very best on every assignment. The quality of my education surpasses any other in Jackson, TN or even West TN. I am so grateful for the memories made at USJ and I am proud to be a Bruin!
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. St. George's Independent School

    • Private School
    • Collierville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 26
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: St. George's has top notch academics and tailors its program to each individual student's needs. Despite being a competitive, elite private school, the school operates an urban campus that gives kids living in poverty an opportunity to get the same high level of education as more privileged kids. This also provides a level of diversity that isn't typical at elite private schools. While the school is affiliated with the Episcopal church, the religious curriculum is more about ethics and values, and about comparative religions, and all people are able to feel welcome.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,144 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Hutchison School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 63
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: The facilities at Hutchison School are so professional. The science labs are large, well equipped and full of resources. The girls work in a film studio and podcasting studio to create thoughtful, fun, meaningful content for their school online newspaper. The theater is top notch. Girls are designing lights and sound for the school productions. The gym spaces and new Wellness Center are state-of-the-art. My daughter is thriving here and learning so much. She told me on the way to school that she loves school and that it is so fun. She stated this at 7:15am!
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 851 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Battle Ground Academy

    • Private School
    • Franklin, TN
    • K-12
    • 41
    #15 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Alum: I attended BGA from 5th grade until I graduated from high school. I loved it! It was an extremely close knit school, my graduating class was only 80 students. In addition, the academics were hard, but it was worth it as it prepares us well for college. The only reason I give it four stars is because of how strict they were. Other than that, BGA is and was an amazing school!
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School

    • Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
    • 7-12
    • 425
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Martin Luther King Magnet High School is a great school academically that is extremely helpful in preparing its students for college. Each teacher there shows genuine care for the well-being of their students, and takes time to help students learn complicated material. Students are challenged by being put into rigorous honors classes as their core education. Because of the rigor from these classes, each child finds helpful ways to study and manage time to best help their academic success. The academically-challenging environment of Martin Luther King Magnet helps give students good work-ethic and work-managing skills, which are extremely important in college and careers.
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,210 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Farragut High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 382
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: It's a wonderful school and I have really enjoyed my time here. I mean what can I say? It's ranked around top 5 in the state so you know that the academics are top notch. Teachers are friendly and helpful and there are a huge variety of classes to choose from. For example, I am taking mythology this semester and it's an interesting class for sure. Farragut offers like 20-something AP classes and they can be challenging especially the STEM courses. There are multiple clubs meeting every day and sports are fun. We won the state football championship a while back. I would say that I 100% feel confident for college because of the support I have received here.
    Read 382 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,738 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Merrol Hyde Magnet School

    • Sumner County Schools, TN
    • K-12
    • 158
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Merrol Hyde has been great to me since I came in 7th grade. I never felt that it was the rigor of the school that fostered excellence, but rather the group of people there. Teachers encouraged open-ended discussions, which often led to me learning something new every time. Teachers were always open to answer questions regarding their class or the professional world. One thing that has stuck with me is that teachers often will come to the students for advice about certain issues. Overall, Merrol Hyde has been an excellent school with some flaws, but I do not regret attending from 7th grade up until my graduation this Spring of 2019.
    Read 158 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 666 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Franklin Road Academy

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 45
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: My daughter came to FRA her freshman year not knowing one other student. She was immediately welcomed and has made the nicest, most supportive friends. I also appreciate the exposure to the socio-economic, religious and cultural diversity at FRA where 21 percent of students are students of color and where 14 countries are represented in the student body. The academics are exceptional. She just received her scores back from both the ACT and SAT and they were excellent - I know she will have her pick of colleges next year when she is a senior. The teachers are encouraging and know the students well! They have encouraged her to get outside of her comfort zone and because of their support she has developed the self-confidence to lead in many different aspects of campus life. I highly recommend FRA to anyone who is looking for a small, tight knit school community that provides an elite education in a sweet and caring inclusive Christian environment!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 844 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Oak Ridge High School

    • Oak Ridge School District, TN
    • 8-12
    • 170
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Alum: I felt proud of my education at Oak Ridge. We're one of the best in the area and most of the teachers (a certain geometry teacher is most definitely excluded) are extremely dedicated to their students. The AP history teachers are all amazing, and definitely prepared me for college more than anything else. The administration is alright--a little too strict. Because of this, I felt burnt out by junior year. Despite all of that, since starting college this year I've realized just how much Oak Ridge prepared me compared to other students in my freshman classes. Most of the things I've been learning so far in college I'd already been taught at Oak Ridge. I'm definitely proud of my Oak Ridge education. Once a wildcat, always a wildcat.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,377 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Kenrose Elementary School

    • Williamson County Schools, TN
    • PK, K-5
    • 2
    #2 Best Public Elementary Schools in Tennessee

    Niche User: It is a very awesome school. This school has excelled in everything. Their feild trips are super amazing.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 919 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    McCallie School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 147

    Senior: The McCallie School is an all boys school, that is a day and boarding school. My experience at this school has been fantastic, and it has shaped me into a man just like the motto states "Inspiring Boys. Building Men." Coming to the ridge and moving away from home was at first terrifying, but the faculty and students brought me in with open arms. From the friday night football games, to grinding out test I have made more memories than anyone else in a lifetime, and McCallie has propelled me for the challenges ahead in college. No matter how cliché it may sound I wouldn't change my 4 years at McCallie for anything in the world, it is a life changing experience. If I were a parent with a boy soon entering middle school or high school, I would most definitely look into McCallie and at least give the admissions office a phone call. It is the best decision a person could ever make!
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 12

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 91