Best High Schools
in Nashville, Tennessee
We ranked the 30 high schools in Nashville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.1 and 8.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Nashville for 2026 are Martin Luther King JR School (8.4/10), Hume - Fogg High (8.0/10), and Templeton Academy (8.0/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 30 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Nashville?
Every high 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.
Martin Luther King JR School
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Hume - Fogg High
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Templeton Academy
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Nashville's 24 ranked high schools span a competitive range, with Early College High School leading the metro at 9.3 out of 10 — a full point ahead of second-place Hume-Fogg High at 8.6. That gap at the top reflects how sharply differentiated the local options are, making school selection a meaningful decision for families. Half of Nashville's ranked high schools score 7.0 or above, and the metro average sits at 6.8 — suggesting a solid middle tier alongside a standout upper tier. East Nashville Magnet High School and Martin Luther King Jr School round out the top four, both clearing 8.0. The table below lets you sort by overall score, enrollment, and other key metrics to find the fit that makes sense for your student. Use the filters to narrow by neighborhood or school type and compare options side by side.
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Nashville's High 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 30 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 high schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 33 schools spanning 5 school districts, plus 6 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 high school in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Martin Luther King JR School is the top-rated high school in Nashville with a composite score of 8.4/10. 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 high schools are in Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville has 33 high schools, including 6 charter schools. Of these, 31 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Nashville?
The average composite score for Nashville high schools is 5.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Nashville has 6 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.