Best Middle Schools
in Nashville, Tennessee
We ranked the 32 middle schools in Nashville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.0 and 7.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Nashville for 2026 are Valor Voyager Academy (7.7/10), John Trotwood Moore Middle (7.3/10), and Head Middle (7.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 32 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Nashville?
Every middle 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.
Valor Voyager Academy
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
John Trotwood Moore Middle
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Head Middle
Nashville, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Nashville's middle school landscape spans 30 ranked schools, with performance varying considerably across the metro. The average composite score sits at 5.3 out of 10, but a handful of schools pull well above that mark — only 4 schools, or 13% of the ranked pool, clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold. John Trotwood Moore Middle leads the field at 7.7, followed closely by Strive Collegiate Academy at 7.6 and West End Middle at 7.5. That tight cluster at the top means families have a few genuinely strong options to compare, while the broader spread between the leaders and the metro average signals real differences in academic outcomes across the city. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the best fit for your student.
Valor Voyager Academy
John Trotwood Moore Middle
Head Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Nashville's Middle 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 32 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valor Voyager Academy Charter Davidson County | 7.7 |
| 2 | John Trotwood Moore Middle Davidson County | 7.3 |
| 3 | Head Middle Davidson County | 7.3 |
| 4 | Strive Collegiate Academy Charter Davidson County | 7.3 |
| 5 | Jewish Middle School of Nashville | 7.3 |
| 6 | Meigs Middle Davidson County | 7.0 |
| 7 | West End Middle Davidson County | 7.0 |
| 8 | Isaac Litton Middle Davidson County | 6.7 |
| 9 | Rose Park Middle Davidson County | 6.7 |
| 10 | Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts Davidson County | 6.7 |
| 11 | East Nashville Middle Davidson County | 6.1 |
| 12 | Lead Cameron Charter Davidson County | 5.5 |
| 13 | The Jewish Middle School of Nashville | 5.3 |
| 14 | H. G. Hill Middle Davidson County | 5.0 |
| 15 | Margaret Allen Middle Davidson County | 5.0 |
| 16 | Mcmurray Middle Davidson County | 4.9 |
| 17 | Wright Middle Davidson County | 4.9 |
| 18 | John Early Middle Davidson County | 4.8 |
| 19 | William Henry Oliver Middle Davidson County | 4.8 |
| 20 | Kipp Academy Nashville Charter Davidson County | 4.6 |
| 21 | Donelson Middle Davidson County | 4.5 |
| 22 | Bellevue Middle Davidson County | 4.5 |
| 23 | Croft Middle Davidson County | 4.5 |
| 24 | Two Rivers Middle Davidson County | 4.4 |
| 25 | Kipp Nashville College Prep Charter Davidson County | 4.0 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Tennessee education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle 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 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle 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 middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 32 schools spanning 5 school districts, plus 9 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 middle school in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Valor Voyager Academy is the top-rated middle school in Nashville with a composite score of 7.7/10. 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 middle schools are in Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville has 32 middle schools, including 9 charter schools. Of these, 32 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Nashville?
The average composite score for Nashville middle schools is 5.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Nashville has 9 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.