With over 200 public and private schools in the metro area, Nashville is a thriving hub for education in Middle Tennessee. The city offers a broad range of school options, including public magnet schools, charter academies, and prestigious private institutions. If you’re moving locally or relocating long-distance to Nashville and want to find a great school in the area, we’ve created this guide to help you make an informed decision before your move.
Compared to other major cities in the Southeast, Nashville performs well in school variety and educational innovation. Tennessee’s school system continues to improve, and Nashville stands out for its magnet and charter school network and nationally ranked private schools.
Whether you’re a local resident or relocating for work, it can be challenging to find the best schools in Nashville. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. While we are the best Nashville movers, we also understand how important it is to find the right school for your family. With that said, let’s explore the top-rated options—from public to private—and even Nashville’s top school districts.
What Are The Best Public Schools in Nashville?
Public schools in Nashville are managed by Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), one of the largest school districts in the Southeast. MNPS includes neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and charter options.
1. Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School
District: Metro Nashville Public Schools
Highlights: Rigorous AP curriculum, historic campus, top college placement
Why It’s Great: Frequently ranked among the top public high schools in Tennessee, Hume-Fogg offers a highly academic environment in downtown Nashville.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School
District: Metro Nashville Public Schools
Highlights: Focus on health sciences and engineering, strong ACT scores
Why It’s Great: A 7–12 school that combines strong academics with a focus on future career pathways.
3. Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School
District: Metro Nashville Public Schools
Highlights: High test scores, college-prep focus, enriched curriculum
Why It’s Great: One of the top-rated middle schools in the state, known for academic rigor and high expectations.
4. Julia Green Elementary School
District: Metro Nashville Public Schools
Highlights: IB Primary Years Program, engaged parent community
Why It’s Great: Offers a global-minded curriculum and consistently high academic outcomes in the Green Hills neighborhood.
What Are The Best Private Schools in Nashville?
Nashville is home to some of the most prestigious private schools in the region, known for academic excellence, small class sizes, and outstanding extracurricular programs.
1. Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA)
Grades: 7–12 (All Boys)
Highlights: College prep, leadership development, strong athletics
Why It’s Great: MBA has a long-standing tradition of academic rigor and boasts impressive college placement success.
2. Harpeth Hall School
Grades: 5–12 (All Girls)
Highlights: Leadership programming, STEAM education, inclusive environment
Why It’s Great: One of the top private girls’ schools in the South, known for shaping strong, confident leaders.
3. University School of Nashville (USN)
Grades: K–12
Highlights: Urban campus, rigorous academics, vibrant arts programs
Why It’s Great: USN offers an intellectually challenging curriculum and is highly selective.
4. Ensworth School
Grades: K–12
Highlights: Dual campuses, AP and honors courses, whole-child development
Why It’s Great: A respected co-ed college preparatory school with modern facilities and a focus on academic balance.
What Are The Best School Districts In Nashville?
While Metro Nashville Public Schools primarily serves Nashville, families often look to surrounding areas for additional high-performing district options.
1. Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
Notable Schools: Hume-Fogg, MLK Magnet, Meigs Magnet
Why It’s Great: Offers a wide range of magnet and specialty schools with strong academic reputations.
2. Williamson County Schools
Notable Schools: Ravenwood High, Brentwood High, Woodland Middle
Why It’s Great: Often ranked as the top school district in Tennessee, serving Nashville’s southern suburbs like Franklin and Brentwood.
3. Sumner County Schools
Notable Schools: Merrol Hyde Magnet, Station Camp High
Why It’s Great: Located northeast of Nashville, this district is home to some of the highest-performing public schools in the state.
4. Rutherford County Schools
Notable Schools: Central Magnet School, Siegel High
Why It’s Great: A fast-growing district southeast of Nashville, known for its academic excellence and extracurricular depth.
5. Wilson County Schools
Notable Schools: Mt. Juliet High, Wilson Central High
Why It’s Great: Offers solid academic programs in a suburban setting with a growing reputation for innovation.
FAQs: Best Schools in Nashville
1. What are the top-rated public schools in Nashville?
Hume-Fogg Magnet, MLK Magnet, Meigs Academic Magnet, and Julia Green Elementary are consistently top-rated within MNPS.
2. Are there good private schools in Nashville for college preparation?
Yes, Montgomery Bell Academy, Harpeth Hall, and University School of Nashville all have excellent reputations for preparing students for college success.
3. How do Nashville school districts compare?
MNPS offers excellent magnet programs, while nearby districts like Williamson and Sumner counties are often chosen for their consistently high academic rankings.
4. Is it better to live in a specific neighborhood for school quality?
Yes, areas like Green Hills, Sylvan Park, and parts of Brentwood and Franklin are known for their proximity to top-performing schools.
5. Do Nashville schools offer gifted or magnet programs?
Absolutely. MNPS has an extensive network of magnet schools, many focusing on STEM, arts, and college-prep tracks.
Best of luck on your school search
If you haven’t moved to Nashville just yet, you may want to check out our other guides:
The best schools in Nashville offer students access to high-quality education, diverse extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environments. From innovative magnet schools to elite private institutions, Nashville delivers strong educational opportunities for families.
Be sure to visit schools, talk with educators, and tour neighborhoods to find the right fit. A great school can shape your child’s future in incredible ways.
Thanks for reading another one of our city guides. We hope it helped!
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