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2020 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 2,254
Best Schools
2,254 results

  1. University School of Nashville

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

    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 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,071 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. McCallie School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 178 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: Our family has absolutely loved McCallie. Having two sons that board at McCallie, I have witnessed my boys grow in so many ways with the wonderful support of the faculty and advisors. McCallie gives young men the opportunity to grow intellectually, socially, athletically and artistically. What I especially love about McCallie are the relationships that are formed by boarding with others and having to depend on yourself and others for your success. This creates a wonderful bond among friends and faculty. The McCallie advisors do a fantastic job of helping the guys through the college application and selection process as well! Overall it is a fantastic school with fantastic faculty that truly care for the boys and help them grow into young men prepared for college and life beyond college. If you have a motivated young man that wants to be challenged and grow, McCallie is a great community for that to take place!
    Read 178 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 931 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. St. Mary's Episcopal School

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

    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 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 822 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Lausanne Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 50 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: Our daughter, now a high school Senior, has attended Lausanne Collegiate School since Jr. Kindergarten. We have had an excellent experience throughout.
    The lower school teachers were amazing in their abilities to really foster a joy for learning and truly knew her as an individual. The middle school teachers were also fantastic educators and counselors in helping students navigate what can be a very awkward time in their lives. The high school experience has been truly excellent from the teachers to counselors and coaches.
    The pre and after care programs as well and the summer program is excellent as well and truly kept her engaged as a lower and middle school student.
    She will graduate soon and is accepted ED to her dream university. I am proud to be a Lausanne parent.
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 851 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Montgomery Bell Academy

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

    Parent: Our son is a recent graduate of MBA, and we were thoroughly impressed, pleased and grateful! The school really understands boys and takes teaching and learning very seriously. Our son enjoyed the friends he made, and admires and respects his teachers. The faculty is top-notch and committed to the school and the boys. There are many ways for the students to explore various avenues of developing themselves as people - music, the arts, athletics, service. If you have a son who will be entering into middle school, you owe it to yourself to give MBA a long look!
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 788 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Memphis University School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • 7-12
    • 73 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: My sons has been a student at MUS since 7th grade and he is now a senior. The teachers have been supportive and always encouraged my sons to do better when he was being a slacker. The academics, structure and staff have well prepared my son for college academics. Everyone in the front office have always been so helpful and supportive. My son isn't an athlete but more artistic and I love that school encourages all types of students. The variety in activities available are a plus. The school is mostly white, but there was never an issue for my son. I do wish the school would update their dress code to include hairstyles that African American boys tend to wear. Other than that we have highly enjoyed the last 5 years.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 630 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Harpeth Hall School

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

    Junior: I like Harpeth Hall a lot. There are lots of opportunities and plenty of counselors that help with the college process. However, that is not to say that the school isn't easy. There is always something that one could do to continue their academic growth and plenty of activities and extra-curriculars to fill your time with. Both my peers and myself would agree that we feel well prepared for college in terms of work-load and time management. Overall, this is an amazing school and I couldn't trade the experience I've had here with anything else!
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 689 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

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

    Senior: I was homeschooled for 2 years before coming in as a freshman. It was a tough transition and definitely made 9th grade very difficult, but academically I did very well. Since then, I've thrived socially and academically! I've made some of my best friends there, and I am very grateful for the amazing teachers and the passion they have for what they do.
    Read 494 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 894 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Central Magnet School

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

    Senior: Central Magnet School has allowed me to feel immensely prepared for college. Due to the various AP and Advanced Honors courses that I was provided, I have been challenged and taught more than just state standards. I have been taught how to handle a large workload and build lasting relationships with fellow students and teachers. The staff members are understanding, and they treat the students with respect and courtesy. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have attended the number one high school in Tennessee!
    Read 456 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,240 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Webb School

    • Private School
    • Bell Buckle, TN
    • 6-12
    • 68 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Webb truly is a life changing place. I’ve been attending for only two years, and I have flourished beyond what I ever imagined. The faculty and teachers are caring and take interest in you as a person. No matter who you are you will find a friend group that you fit in with. The extracurricular programs are exceptional with numerous opportunities for exploration ranging from Basketball to Strings Orchestra. Furthermore, the college counselors are highly qualified and have truly helped me find my fit beyond high school, and I’m eager to use my skills I have learned at Webb at my university.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 317 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. The Ensworth School

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • K-12
    • 55 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Alum: I am a well-rounded individual who can communicate with anyone from anywhere. Today, I feel confident meeting new people, talking to large crowds, tackling difficult assignments, and interviewing for jobs. I owe these things to The Ensworth School. I not only received a world-class education, but also the skills needed to take on the real world. Ensworth was HARD, but it has made everything in my life that has followed easier. It is a school you attend if you want to push yourself to your utmost potential. I could never recommend it enough!
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,156 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Merrol Hyde Magnet School

    • Sumner County Schools, TN
    • K-12
    • 172 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: I started attending Merrol Hyde in 7th grade (K-12 school) and have loved my time here. Merrol Hyde makes it easy to get involved and participate in many clubs and activities. In addition, the relationships made at Merrol Hyde are unlike any other. With small class sizes, the students have an unbreakable bond and the teacher-student relationships are personal and helpful. Everyone at Merrol Hyde is honest with you and truly cares for you to be your best self. In addition, the academics speak for themselves. As the top 3 in the state, the education you receive is helpful and applicable.
    Read 172 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 654 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. St. George's Independent School - Collierville Campus (grades 6-12)

    • Private School
    • Collierville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 35 reviews
    #10 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 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,076 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Baylor School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 131 reviews
    #11 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 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,048 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Brentwood High School

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

    Senior: Brentwood High has offered one of the best high school experiences I could have asked for. The building itself has lots of personality, which spills onto the faculty and students as the welcoming nature creates a home for its students. However, academic pressure is very prevalent. This pressure is actually not as much from faculty as it is from other students. The staff pushes mental health initiatives year round, especially during exam week. My peers, however, are extremely intelligent, which created pressure on my academic experience. Go Bruins!!
    Read 312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,730 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Hutchison School

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

    Parent: Hutchison is an outstanding, one-of-a-kind school for girls. All grades are one beautiful campus in East Memphis. The secure perimeter allows girls to move freely about the school's farm, playing fields, lake and buildings in a safe environment. But, what makes this place truly special are the teachers and programs. Teachers at Hutchison aim to help each girl discover her own unique gifts and talents which she can explore and build on through opportunities in fine arts (Hutch girls win more art awards than almost any other school in TN), robotics, athletics, academics, etc. Curriculum is robust, challenging and presented in a way that stimulates thinking and the formation of cross-curricular connections. My daughter spent 15 years at Hutchison, was awarded a coveted scholarship at a prestigious college and now attends and is thriving at an Ivy League University.
    Read 69 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 851 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Webb School of Knoxville

    • Private School
    • Knoxville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 90 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Junior: I love Webb! The academics are very challenging but I find it easy to talk to my teacher and get the help I need. I'm a junior in 3 APs so my time is mostly spent trying to work and doing robotics and other activities, but I enjoy most of it! I also was able to start a club with my friends and participate in the fall musical and the Webb community has helped through all of this. Sometimes I do feel a bit lost or annoyed at some of the rich kids or other students and parents who aren't the nicest, but I was also able to find a great group of super nice friends from all kinds of back grounds! I go here on financial aid and have never felt effects from it! Also the bistro is great and I'm excited for the fancy new robotics room and café next year!
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,015 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Battle Ground Academy

    • Private School
    • Franklin, TN
    • K-12
    • 53 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    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 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. University School of Jackson

    • Private School
    • Jackson, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 29 reviews
    #15 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 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,020 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School

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

    Senior: MLK has a great community. Academics is the focus most definitely. I have been there for six years and I have only had a problem with one teacher. The administration and their communication can be difficult at times, but it has much improved since I was in 7th grade. There is student support for every single sport and I believe that is really important. It is a great place to prepare for college!
    Read 451 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,226 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Ravenwood High School

    • Williamson County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 450 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Ravenwood is a very pretty school with a large campus. Ravenwood has two football fields, a baseball field, tennis courts, and more than one field for soccer and lacrosse; obviously, sports are a priority at this school. The school also has multiple AP classes available to students. I was a able to take as many AP classes as I wanted! Additionally, all of the AP teachers have very high student pass rates for the AP exams. Ravenwood also has many organizations and clubs students can participate in. Ravenwood has a high average ACT score of about 27 compared to other schools in the county. My one problem with Ravenwood is that it is clear that students who are more involved in school activities are more valued to administrators. I believe this is unfair because activities outside of school should be honored just as much as school activities.
    Read 450 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,619 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Farragut High School

    • Knox County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 415 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: I enjoyed a lot about Farragut. I have met some really great friends through this school and have attended since kindergarten. I would never want to change where I went to school. I love the Farragut community, and I have so many great opportunities because of this school. My experiences in the Farragut school system have taught me many things. Through the rigorous curriculum, I have learned how to study effectively and manage my time. Through the people in the school, I have learned not to make quick judgments and to understand that everyone is going through something beyond what we see on their outside appearance. I have learned to love everyone for who they are and to be patient with the people I disagree with. Farragut has taught me that the people are the most important part of a community and that caring for those people and showing them how precious and important their life is, is the greatest thing anyone can do.
    Read 415 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,846 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Pleasant View School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 11 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Sophomore: Pleasant View School is a very diverse Islamic school that accommodates students between daycare and 12th grade. It has a student population of about 600. Because of this small student body, everyone knows everyone. We, as a school, put a lot of effort into many competitions, like Science Fair, National History Day, Science Bowl, Chemistry Olympiad, and much much more. due to our diversity and excellent performance in many competitions, Pleasant View School is the fifth-best school in the entire district of greater Memphis. I am proud to be a student in this amazing school.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 383 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Lakeland Elementary School

    • Public School
    • Lakeland, TN
    • PK, K-4
    • 2 reviews
    #2 Best Public Elementary Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: An awesome educational experience for my kids. Great teachers and administrators loved educating our kids.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 850 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Houston High School

    • Germantown, TN
    • 9-12
    • 306 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: For a public school, the education at Houston is top of the line. It's as a simple as that the test scores, the culture of the school, and the teachers are all phenomenal not only by Memphis and Tennessee public school standards but on a national level. While the campus itself is due for upgrades, these are in the planning stages and likely to come sooner than later. Overall, Houston is one of the finest schools in the Memphis area, both public and private, by any measure. Go Mustangs!
    Read 306 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,890 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    St. Andrew's-Sewanee School

    • Private School
    • Sewanee, TN
    • 6-12
    • 66 reviews

    Parent: If you want your child to experience experiential learning, a diverse student body, an amazingly beautiful 500+ acre campus and a faculty dedicated to providing individual based education then SAS is the place! Our children attended and could not have been happier. The blend of academics, the arts and athletics provided each of our children a feeling of inclusivity and accomplishment and fully prepared them for college. The ability to take college courses at nearby Sewanee was instrumental in lessening the fear of the unknown when our children went to universities. What a campus! Over 500 acres opens students to the outdoors- hiking, biking, camping, lake swimming, rock climbing- the list goes on.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 241 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Girls Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 105 reviews

    Parent: My daughter has had an incredible experience at GPS and I cannot imagine a better academic environment for her! She absolutely loves GPS, and we love it just as much for her. GPS has given daughter confidence. Before GPS, she was shy and soft spoken. Within her first year, she had begun to grow in to a confident, self-assured student who contributes in class and speaks up for and with her friends. She knows her voice matters and is being taught to use it. Furthermore, the teachers truly know my daughter. I cannot emphasize enough the difference the teachers make in a school! You can have a lot of bells & whistles, but if the teachers are not incredible, a school will only be average. The teachers know my daughter and take time for her! Finally, the administration is intentional. I have continued to see how hard the leadership team works to always good decisions. They communicate well and thoroughly. They are intentional and they listen to feedback, both from the GIRLS and parents!
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 556 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Saint Matthew Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Franklin, TN
    • PK, K-8
    • 36 reviews

    Parent: In moving to TN we were in search of both a new church and school to call home. We have found it at St Matthew. There are many great choices in Nashville schools and we found the best choice at St Matthew. Initially based on a gut decision following many school visits we have found a dedicated, loving community of educators, students, families and parishioners. The school has a welcoming environment with supportive staff and teachers who clear love our children. Solid academics have our oldest has been well prepared for high school and handling new responsibilities with ease. Our youngest is still at St Matthew and we enjoy watching her grow and flourish. The school is responsive to needs and challenges of the students. Our children are known personally and valued as individuals. In all arenas, from academics to extra-curricular activities, children are lead by example to Seek, Model and Serve Christ in everything they do.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 451 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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