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Despite challenges such as relatively low public education funding, Tennessee remains one of the most efficient spenders of educational resources, with 7.3 percent of its 358 high schools earning gold or silver medals for excellence. This achievement reflects the commitment of educators and administrators to foster high-quality education.
While the state has made strides in education, there are still areas of concern, such as the approach to sex education, which has been met with criticism for being outdated. Nevertheless, the schools on our list continue to provide a robust learning environment for students.
Scroll down for a detailed description of each institution, but first, here’s a quick overview of the top schools.
- Martin Luther King Jr School
- Central Magnet School
- Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Ravenwood High School
- Franklin High School
- Farragut High School
- Fred J Page High School
- Greeneville High School
- Collierville High School
- Houston High School
Methodology for the Best Schools in Tennessee
Our methodology is straightforward: we ranked schools with at least 75 students based on the latest Reading and Math proficiency scores from the Department of Education, which indicate the percentage of students meeting state standards. The top ten schools were further evaluated using Advanced Placement (AP) Test passage rates, student-to-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and the performance of economically disadvantaged students, receiving points for each category they excelled in.
After compiling the points, the schools were ranked according to their overall index score.
1. Martin Luther King Jr School
School Description: Topping our list is this U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School magnet school in Nashville, where students can choose from Spanish, Latin, and over 25 honors and AP classes, achieving a pass rate exceeding 75 percent. Despite a faculty ratio of 21:1, the school boasts an impressive 218 economically disadvantaged students who scored above the 95th percentile.
2. Central Magnet School
School Description: Located at the geographic center of Tennessee, Central Magnet School is recognized as one of the best high schools in the nation. With a remarkable 100 percent graduation rate and proficiency in reading and math, plus a 92 percent AP passage rate, this school could certainly rebrand itself as something more memorable than the Tigers.
3. Madison Academic Magnet High School
School Description: Known for its strong student-faculty ratio of 15:1, Madison excels academically while offering unique clubs such as the Excel Club and Audacious Authors Creative Writing Group, making it a standout choice for students.
4. Ravenwood High School
School Description: With 25 AP courses and a passage rate of 75 percent, Ravenwood is academically impressive. The school also provides extensive student support, with twelve counselors available to assist students.
5. Franklin High School
School Description: Franklin High School is another Williamson County gem, notable for its 98 percent graduation rate and diverse course offerings, including collision repair and ACT review, catering to a wide range of student interests.
6. Farragut High School
School Description: Farragut shines with a top graduation ranking and low faculty ratio, coupled with a curriculum that includes accounting, nutrition, marketing classes, and a Mental Health 101 course, reflecting a commitment to student well-being.
7. Fred J Page High School
School Description: Page ranks highly in math proficiency and offers college tours, contributing to its impressive 96 percent graduation rate. As the final school on our list from Williamson County, it showcases the district’s educational strengths.
8. Greeneville High School
School Description: Greeneville partners with a local community college for dual enrollment courses, allowing students to earn college credits alongside their high school diploma, and actively incorporates technology in the classroom.
9. Collierville High School
School Description: Known for its commendable academic performance, Collierville High School is slightly behind the others due to its lower percentage of economically disadvantaged students, but continues to excel in various academic areas.
10. Houston High School
School Description: Located in Germantown, Houston High School offers a variety of extracurricular activities and maintains a strict policy on food brought into the school, ensuring an organized environment for learning.
Conclusion
These top high schools in Tennessee exemplify the state’s dedication to educational excellence. As students and parents navigate the college application process, consider the strengths of these institutions in shaping future leaders. For more insights on college prospects and job markets in Tennessee, explore Zippia.
Looking for colleges that provide the best job prospects in Tennessee and beyond? Discover which colleges offer the best opportunities for graduates.
Or if you’re interested in smaller institutions, find out which small colleges will set you up for success in your career.
Top Ten Schools in Tennessee
| Rank | School Name | District | Math % Proficient | Reading % Proficient | Graduation Rate | Ap Pass Rate | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Luther King Jr School | Davidson County | 98 | 98 | 100% | 76% | 21:1 |
| 2 | Central Magnet School | Rutherford County | 100 | 100 | 100% | 92% | 18:1 |
| 3 | Madison Academic Magnet High School | Madison County | 88 | 95 | 100% | 75% | 15:1 |
| 4 | Ravenwood High School | Williamson County | 93 | 94 | 96% | 85% | 19:1 |
| 5 | Franklin High School | Williamson County | 91 | 92 | 98% | 81% | 18:1 |
| 6 | Farragut High School | Knox County | 91 | 89 | 100% | 75% | 17:1 |
| 7 | Fred J Page High School | Williamson County | 95 | 96 | 96% | 57% | 16:1 |
| 8 | Greeneville High School | Greeneville | 86 | 76 | 96% | 87% | 15:1 |
| 9 | Collierville High School | Collierville | 87 | 86 | 91% | 74% | 21:1 |
| 10 | Houston High School | Germantown | 85 | 88 | 90% | 70% | 20:1 |
Author
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
