Authority

2024 Best High Schools in Tennessee

Learn more about high schools in Tennessee

Sponsored

What High School Paths Does Tennessee Provide?

Tennessee is unique in that it has 41% more high schools than the average state per capita, so it ranks #34 in the nation when it comes to overall high school availability. In total, Tennessee has 685 high schools, the majority of which are public, 395 to be exact, leaving just 240 private schools in the state. As a whole, the state's average school rating is a B– which is right in line with the national average.

In total, 58% of Tennessee's high schools are public and they have an average rating of B–. Of those 395 schools, the majority are traditional public schools (345). Approximately 58% of those traditional public schools sit above the national average, so you can rest assured that there's still 201 such schools that are considered better than normal.

Diving deeper into public high school alternatives, there are also 26 charter schools, which ranks Tennessee in the 31st spot for most charter schools per capita vs the average state. In total, 35% of those charter schools exceed the national average in quality. Also, of the 24 magnet high schools, 16 earned above average marks.

Shifting now to private high schools, there are 240 in total to choose from (roughly 35% of all schools). Again, although the figure may seem relatively small, Tennessee actually has 29% more private school options than the average state per capita, so despite a smaller state population there are still numerous private school options. With a median rating of B+, approximately half (50%) of Tennessee's private schools are rated above the national average. About 79% of private high schools in Tennessee are religiously affiliated, led primarily by Christian schools which total 178. The state ranks 3rd for most religious schools per capita, so it actually sits quite a bit above the average in terms of how much religious influence there is in its school options. There are also 18 all-boys schools in Tennessee, which is a 55% (or 1.55 times) more than the typical state (after normalizing for population size). There are also 9 all-girls options in the state.

Many of the high schools are also beginning to increase their online offerings, with 23 total online schools (just 3% of all schools). This actually ranks Tennessee in the 15th position in terms of online schools per capita vs. the typical state (it's above the average by 112%).

Top 25 Best High Schools in Tennessee

Search for the best high schools in Tennessee

#1 Best High School in Tennessee

University School of Nashville

Nashville, TN

private

School Status

1,081

Students

9:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

K-12

Grade Levels

#2 Best High School in Tennessee

St. Mary's Episcopal School

Memphis, TN

all-girls

School Status

830

Students

8:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

K-12

Grade Levels

#3 Best High School in Tennessee

Lausanne Collegiate School

Memphis, TN

private

School Status

851

Students

6:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

K-12

Grade Levels

#4 Best High School in Tennessee

Montgomery Bell Academy

Nashville, TN

all-boys

School Status

829

Students

8:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#5 Best High School in Tennessee

Harpeth Hall School

Nashville, TN

all-girls

School Status

730

Students

7:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

1-12

Grade Levels

#6 Best High School in Tennessee

Memphis University School

Memphis, TN

all-boys

School Status

630

Students

7:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#7 Best High School in Tennessee

Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School

Nashville, TN

magnet

School Status

907

Students

20:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#8 Best High School in Tennessee

McCallie School

Chattanooga, TN

all-boys

School Status

979

Students

9:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#9 Best High School in Tennessee

Baylor School

Chattanooga, TN

private

School Status

1,022

Students

9:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#10 Best High School in Tennessee

Ravenwood High School

Brentwood, TN

public

School Status

1,783

Students

19:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

Sponsored
Compare your school options
Authority

Made in Texas

600 Congress, 17th Floor | Austin, Texas

Trustpilot
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

2024 Authority - All rights reserved.