Best Middle Schools in Tennessee (2025-26)

A: 72B: 72C: 70D: 74F: 24

46% of the 312 ranked middle schools in Tennessee earn an A or B (72 A grades, 72 B, 70 C, 74 D, 24 F), against 46% of middle schools nationwide. 222 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (71% here, 70% nationally), and 119 exceed it. On average 37% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 33% (national averages: 45% actual, 38% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Maxine Smith Steam Academy (80% against 32%, A+), Meigs Middle (94% against 59%, A+), Grandview Heights Middle School (41% against 7%, B-), Valor Voyager Academy (59% against 31%, A), Strive Collegiate Academy (42% against 14%, B-).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 78): Williamson County (10), Sumner County (6), Rutherford County (6), Davidson County (4).

Cities with the most ranked middle schools: Memphis (31, 3 at A or B), Nashville (29, 7 at A or B), Knoxville (13, 4 at A or B), Chattanooga (8, 0 at A or B), Clarksville (7, 3 at A or B).

The largest ranked middle schools: Blackman Middle School (1,625 students, A-, #62), Rockvale Middle School (1,383 students, A-, #49), Farragut Middle School (1,328 students, A+, #11).

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?

Meigs Middle in Nashville ranks first among the 312 ranked middle schools in Tennessee with a SchoolGrade of A+, 94% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 59%.

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 324 public middle schools in Tennessee; 312 are ranked here and 12 are listed as not ranked.