Best Middle Schools in Tennessee (2025-26)

A: 46B: 69C: 82D: 58F: 51

38% of the 306 ranked middle schools in Tennessee earn an A or B (46 A grades, 69 B, 82 C, 58 D, 51 F), against 47% of middle schools nationwide. 212 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (69% here, 71% nationally), and 100 exceed it. On average 33% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 35% (national averages: 39% actual, 38% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Maxine Smith Steam Academy (68% against 41%, A+), Maryville Junior High School (70% against 46%, A), Meigs Middle (67% against 43%, A), Mill Creek Middle School (70% against 50%, A+), Rose Park Middle (36% against 20%, C+).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 77): Williamson County (11), Knox County (4), Sumner County (4), Hamilton County (4).

Cities with the most ranked middle schools: Memphis (30, 3 at A or B), Nashville (29, 3 at A or B), Knoxville (13, 5 at A or B), Chattanooga (8, 0 at A or B), Clarksville (6, 3 at A or B).

The largest ranked middle schools: Blackman Middle School (1,625 students, B+, #51), Rockvale Middle School (1,383 students, B, #80), Farragut Middle School (1,328 students, A+, #2).

Of the top 25, 1 is a magnet school and 0 are charters. Selective and specialised schools tend to post high actual scores; the projection column is the fairer comparison for a neighborhood school.

What is the best middle school in Tennessee?

Brentwood Middle School in Brentwood ranks first among the 306 ranked middle schools in Tennessee with a SchoolGrade of A+, 83% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 71%.

How are middle schools in Tennessee ranked?

By SchoolGrade, the 2025-26 model that scores each school's actual test proficiency against the level projected for its student context, then by actual proficiency to break ties. Regular public schools that are open, not fully online and have at least 30 students are ranked; the rest are listed below the table with the reason.

How many middle schools does Tennessee have?

SchoolGrade grades 319 public middle schools in Tennessee; 306 are ranked here and 13 are listed as not ranked.