Best Elementary Schools
in Nashville, Tennessee
We ranked the 74 elementary schools in Nashville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.5 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Nashville for 2026 are Julia Green Elementary (9.8/10), Dan Mills Elementary (9.6/10), and Waverly-belmont Elementary School (9.6/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 74 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Nashville?
Every elementary school in Nashville is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Julia Green Elementary
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Dan Mills Elementary
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Waverly-belmont Elementary School
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Nashville's elementary landscape spans 57 ranked schools, with performance ranging widely across the metro. Sylvan Park Elementary leads the field at 9.7 out of 10, followed closely by Rosebank and John B. Whitsitt elementaries in the low 9s. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.5 out of 10 — useful context when comparing individual schools against the broader field. Nearly half the ranked schools, 25 in total, score 7 or higher, which means families have a solid range of strong options to evaluate. The table below lets you sort by overall score, individual performance categories, or school type to find the best fit for your child. Click any school name for a full profile with detailed ratings and enrollment information.
Julia Green Elementary
Dan Mills Elementary
Waverly-belmont Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Nashville's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Tennessee so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 74 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Tennessee education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Nashville
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Nashville's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Nashville
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Nashville's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 83 schools spanning 5 school districts, plus 10 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Julia Green Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Nashville with a composite score of 9.8/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville has 83 elementary schools, including 10 charter schools. Of these, 75 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Nashville?
The average composite score for Nashville elementary schools is 6.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Tennessee, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Tennessee, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Nashville elementary school rankings?
Yes. Nashville has 10 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.