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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 2,263
Best Schools
2,263 results

  1. University School of Nashville

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • K-12
    • 53 reviews
    #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 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,068 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. McCallie School

    • Private School
    • Chattanooga, TN
    • 6-12
    • 173 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 173 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #3 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 94 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
    • 36 reviews
    #4 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 36 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Nashville, TN
    • 7-12
    • 64 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 64 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
    • 70 reviews
    #6 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 70 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
    • 45 reviews
    #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 45 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
    • 477 reviews
    #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 477 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 905 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Central Magnet School

    • Rutherford County Schools, TN
    • 6-12
    • 441 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 441 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,236 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Webb School

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

    Junior: Tight-knit community with great academics! Teachers are always accessible, and its not uncommon to be able to have a normal conversation with a teacher.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 301 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. The Ensworth School

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

    Parent: Phenomenal teachers - learning at its best. My kids LOVE school and love learning here. Minimal emphasis on standardized testing and the results are kids learning more and excelling incredibly.

    Ensworth pays particular attention to the skills that are sometimes thought of as non-academic (cooperation, wellness, creativity, etc...) and the result has been watching my child grow into an incredibly well rounded and caring person who is successful but team oriented and caring for others.

    While the school boasts resources that are outstanding it’s really the teachers and school culture that really set it apart from other schools in Nashville.
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,141 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Merrol Hyde Magnet School

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

    Senior: The overall Merrol Hyde experience is very unique. Due to our small class sizes (between 20-50 kids per graduating class) everyone is very friendly and close like a family. At Merrol Hyde, the teachers and administration make it very clear that their priority is the students and that they will but out their best effort to make every child best prepared for the next step in their lives. Although we have to wear uniforms and the cafeteria food might be sub par, the academics, resources and teacher availability overall makes it a very pleasant place to spend Kindergarten through Senior year.
    Read 167 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 660 Students
    • 15:1 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
    • 32 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 32 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
    • 130 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 130 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
    • 292 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: Brentwood High school has a wide variety of classes compared to other schools; for example, it’s 7 different art classes! They just recently built a STEM building which is an extremely nice facility. It is a great quality school with great test scores and talented teachers. The one downside is it does have lots of cliques.
    Read 292 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,760 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Hutchison School

    • Private School
    • Memphis, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 66 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 66 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
    • 87 reviews
    #13 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 87 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
    • 46 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee

    Parent: The best decision I have ever made
    Was sending my two children to BGA. They are both lifers, (K-12). The school is extremely challenging academically, it is safe for the students, there is a zero tolerance policy for bullying.

    This is a family aside from a school, tradition and excellence are the trademarks. The arts programs are engaging and fascinating. Students are encouraged to participate in such musicals as Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast. That talent among the students is abundent and above what you would see in a typical high school. This past academic year saw two students accepted to the service academies of West Point and Annapolis. Ivy League schools have become a norm for graduating seniors.
    Read 46 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
    • 28 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 28 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
    • 441 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 441 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,232 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Ravenwood High School

    • Williamson County Schools, TN
    • 9-12
    • 434 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 434 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,768 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Farragut High School

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

    Senior: Although the administration and staff seem to fluctuate regularly, Farragut High School has prepared me well for my future. The growth I saw from middle school to high school was drastic and I saw it in my school work, grades, study habits, and time management. The highly successful school sports help student-athletes achieve in and out of the classroom as well as exhibit school spirit throughout the year. Teachers were there to push me and not just give me the answers. Even the school security officers and janitors develop relationships with the students that last post-high school life. Overall, Farragut has been the best school I could have asked for and I would not be where I am without everyone at the school supporting me.
    Read 394 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,764 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Pleasant View School

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

    Senior: Attending Pleasant View School has been a great turning point in my life. I was originally home-schooled from 5th to 9th grade, and when my parents told me they were enrolling me in a private school, I had no idea what to expect. I'm glad to say that Pleasant View School made the transition as smooth as possible. All the teachers care deeply about the students, and want to see them succeed. It isn't very big, but everybody knows everybody and the student body immediately incorporated me as a fellow student and a friend. I will say that I would like to see Pleasant View School become more systematic as there is a lot of confusion especially in scheduling at the beginning of the school year. There is a new extension building being built now, and I hope that with that, the halls will be a little bit less crowded. But other than that, I am very thankful and blessed to have attended Pleasant View School, and truly wish that I have been a student there for all of my life.
    Read 10 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
    • 290 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Tennessee

    Senior: I really liked a lot of things about my school. This school is one of the best in the state. However, it did have downfalls. Sports are a huge focus, but some are excluded. They only make the sports that bring in the most money (like football) important. They paid a million dollars for the new football field last year, while the softball team has to practice at the church across the street because of the lack of facilities! I also want to note that the competition is high at our school. It's good for those wanting to get 7 AP classes in and get 36's on the ACT, but the curriculum leaves behind those who don't learn as quickly (through no fault of their own). I can't complain much because of the kind of school I go to.I should be lucky that I am in one of the best schools.
    Read 290 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,883 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    St. Andrew's-Sewanee School

    • Private School
    • Sewanee, TN
    • 6-12
    • 61 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 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 250 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Saint Matthew Catholic School

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

    Parent: We moved our children to Saint Matthew School in 5th and 6th grade from out of state. What a welcoming community we found in SMS. Our children thrived, despite moving at a difficult age. They live out their motto of Seeking, Modeling and Serving in their daily school routines. Saint Matthew School is the only Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade private, catholic school in Williamson county, however that is not what makes it stand out. Receiving the 2017 National Blue Ribbon Award does! Just walk through the doors and you will feel the difference.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Webb School of Knoxville

    • Private School
    • Knoxville, TN
    • PK, K-12
    • 87 reviews

    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 87 Reviews

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