2024 Best Elementary Schools in Tennessee

The Complete Guide to Elementary Schools in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee is slightly above the typical state in terms of having the most elementary schools per capita, with 1,530 total elementary schools to choose from. On a per capita basis, the state ranks 39th in the nation for total elementary schools per resident. The typical grade for all elementary schools in the state is a B, which is equal to the national average. Furthermore, 41% of all elementary schools in Tennessee are above average, so parents have lots of options if they're looking for something above the median.

Despite having more elementary schools than the typical state, there are still nearly 4 times fewer than the national average (1034). This can mean that certain areas of the state may not have an abundance of choices, but thanks to Tennessee’s larger cities like Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville there are still plenty of options no matter where one may reside. Additionally, the typical student to teacher ratio remains right in line with the national average of 14:1.

Are public elementary schools in Tennessee a good option?

Public school options number 1,163 across the state and they carry a grade of B– overall. That’s just slightly below average but on a per capita basis, public schools are nearly 10% below the national average. Let's not forget however that traditional public schools make up for 76% of all school options in the state and that the typical public school size is 456 students per school, about 19% larger than the typical US elementary school on average.

What is the best public elementary school in Tennessee?

The highest rated traditional public elementary school in Tennessee is Jordan Elementary School located in Brentwood (just south of Nashville). The school has 469 students and an impressive student to teacher ratio of 13:1 - 7% lower than the national average which can equate to greater focus on individual students and higher student learning outcomes overall.

Key statistics about charter elementary schools in Tennessee

Charter schools are far less prevalent than their traditional public counterparts in Tennessee - only accounting for about 5% (72) of all elementary school options. The median grade for all charter elementary schools is a C - which isn't bad but does sit 8% below the national median grade of B. It's also worth noting that charter schools are 8% more prevalent per capita than the typical US state which can be seen as a positive if you're excited about your child attending one such school.

What is the best charter elementary school in Tennessee?

The top ranked charter elementary school in Tennessee is Valor Flagship Academy located just outside of Nashville. With 1,197 students it’s certainly one of the larger charter options around and it has an above average 17:1 student to teacher ratio (which is 21% higher than the national average). The grade given to Valor Flagship Academy is an A - which makes it a top pick amongst its peers.

Everything you need to know about magnet elementary schools in Tennessee

Although magnet elementary schools are not nearly as common as traditional public or charter options, there are still 58 such options around this state. But since it’s so much more rare than other options, it should come as no surprise that on a per capita basis, Tennessee ranks 9th highest in terms of having magnet schools per capita compared to other states across America. That said, magnet Elementary Schools tend to have higher grades overall compared to other types of schools - with a C+ median grade - although just 36% score above the US average for their grade level nationally.

What is the best magnet elementary school in Tennessee?

Hailing from Hendersonville, Merrol Hyde Magnet School is considered to be one of highest rated magnet Elementary Schools around this state (and indeed one of the highest rated nationwide). It’s home to 670 students and has 13:1 student to teacher ratio - both considerably less than most other magnet Elementary Schools around this area or elsewhere across America.

All you need to know about private elementary schools in Tennessee

Private Elementary Schools account for 22% (346) of all Elementary Schools throughout this state, however on a per capita basis they rank 35th compared with other states across America - meaning it might be tough finding an appropriate private option depending where you reside within this state. That said, private Elementary Schools tend to have much lower student enrollment numbers compared with traditional public or even charter Elementary Schools - with just 225 students per school on average (41%) fewer than most other Elementary School types across America. Additionally private Elementary Schools tend to earn higher grades overall compared with other types - coming in at a B+ median grade overall across this state.

Are religious elementary schools a good option?

Religious private Elementary Schools make up 84% (289) total private Elementary School options throughout this state and Christian based leads the way, accounting for 84% of all private schools in the state. The highest rated being Pleasant View School, an Islamic-influenced school located right in Memphis. With a small student body of 383, it has impressively small class sizes - as indicated by the small 7:1 student to teach ratio - beating out the national average by 50%.