Tennessee is home to many high-performing elementary schools known for academic excellence, innovative magnet programs, and strong community involvement. From Murfreesboro and Brentwood to Nashville and Collierville, top schools across the state emphasize early academic foundations, creativity, and student-centered learning. This 2026 list highlights the best elementary schools in Tennessee based on academic reputation, enrollment data, student–teacher ratios, and overall learning environment.
Comparison Table: Top Elementary Schools in Tennessee (2026)
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | McFadden School of Excellence | Murfreesboro | K–5 | 384 | 19:1 |
| #2 | Thurman Francis Elementary School | Smyrna | K–8 | 389 | 15:1 |
| #3 | Merrol Hyde Magnet School | Hendersonville | K–5 | — | 16:1 |
| #4 | Merrol Hyde Magnet School (K–12) | Hendersonville | K–12 | 335 | 15:1 |
| #5 | The Discovery School @ Bellwood | Murfreesboro | K–6 | 390 | 18:1 |
| #6 | Crosswind Elementary School | Collierville | K–5 | 350 | 13:1 |
| #7 | Lockeland Elementary Design Center | Nashville | K–5 | 290 | 17:1 |
| #8 | Crockett Elementary School | Brentwood | K–5 | 344 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Lipscomb Elementary School | Brentwood | K–5 | 583 | 15:1 |
| #10 | Spanish Immersion Barksdale | Clarksville | K–5 | 595 | 18:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Elementary Schools in Tennessee 2026
1. McFadden School of Excellence
Address: 221 Bridge Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Ranking: #1 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 384
Student–Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Link: Visit this school
McFadden School of Excellence is an academic magnet elementary school located in Murfreesboro and part of Rutherford County Schools. Serving grades K–5, the school is known for strong academic standards and a structured learning environment. Admission is competitive, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, consistency, and student achievement from an early age.
2. Thurman Francis Elementary School
Address: 221 Todd Ln, Smyrna, TN 37167
Ranking: #2 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–8
Students: 389
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Thurman Francis Elementary School in Smyrna offers a unique blend of academics and arts education. Serving grades K–8, the school provides a creative learning environment while maintaining strong academic outcomes. Its arts-integrated approach helps students build confidence, creativity, and foundational academic skills in a supportive school community.
3. Merrol Hyde Magnet School
Address: 128 Township Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Ranking: #3 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: Not publicly listed
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Merrol Hyde Magnet School in Hendersonville is widely recognized for its strong academic culture and magnet-based learning model. The elementary division emphasizes academic excellence, student discipline, and college-readiness principles from an early age. The school consistently earns high ratings for academic performance across Tennessee.
4. Merrol Hyde Magnet School – K–12 Campus
Address: 128 Township Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Ranking: #4 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–12
Students: 335
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
This Merrol Hyde Magnet School campus serves students from kindergarten through grade 12 and operates under Sumner County Schools. Known for its disciplined academic structure, the school offers continuity in learning from elementary through high school. The elementary program builds a strong academic foundation aligned with long-term success.
5. The Discovery School @ Bellwood
Address: 1165 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Ranking: #5 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–6
Students: 390
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
The Discovery School @ Bellwood is a magnet elementary school in Murfreesboro serving grades K–6. Established in 2005, the school focuses on inquiry-based learning and academic enrichment. Its curriculum encourages curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration, helping students build both academic and problem-solving skills.
6. Crosswind Elementary School
Address: 831 West Shelton Rd, Collierville, TN 38017
Ranking: #6 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 350
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Crosswind Elementary School in Collierville is one of Tennessee’s top-performing public elementary schools. Serving grades K–5, the school is known for excellent academics, community involvement, and a low student–teacher ratio. This allows teachers to provide personalized attention and maintain high academic standards.
7. Lockeland Elementary Design Center
Address: 105 South 17th St, Nashville, TN 37206
Ranking: #7 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 290
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Lockeland Elementary Design Center is a public magnet school in Nashville serving grades K–5. The school integrates design thinking into its curriculum, helping students develop creativity and problem-solving skills. With a supportive learning environment, Lockeland focuses on both academic growth and innovative thinking.
Historical & Interesting Facts About Tennessee Elementary Schools
- Tennessee has a strong network of magnet and immersion elementary schools.
- Arts and STEM-based elementary programs have expanded significantly in the past decade.
- Williamson County and Rutherford County schools consistently rank among the state’s best.
- Early education in Tennessee emphasizes literacy and numeracy benchmarks statewide.
8. Crockett Elementary School
Address: 9019 Crockett Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
Ranking: #8 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 344
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Crockett Elementary School, located in Brentwood, is known for strong academic performance and active parent involvement. Serving grades K–5, the school consistently demonstrates high achievement levels. Its balanced approach to academics and student well-being makes it a preferred choice for many families.
9. Lipscomb Elementary School
Address: 8011 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
Ranking: #9 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 583
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Lipscomb Elementary School is part of Williamson County Schools and located in Brentwood. Known for academic consistency and strong instructional quality, the school serves grades K–5. It emphasizes foundational skills, student responsibility, and steady academic growth throughout the elementary years.
10. Spanish Immersion Barksdale
Address: 1920 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37043
Ranking: #10 Elementary School in Tennessee
Grades: K–5
Students: 595
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this schoool
Spanish Immersion Barksdale in Clarksville offers a unique bilingual elementary education program for grades K–5. Students learn core subjects while developing Spanish language proficiency. The program promotes cultural awareness and language skills alongside academic learning.
Conclusion
The best elementary schools in Tennessee for 2026 provide strong academic foundations, diverse learning approaches, and supportive environments for young learners. Whether families prefer magnet programs, immersion learning, or traditional academics, Tennessee offers excellent elementary education options across the state.
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FAQs
McFadden School of Excellence ranks as the top elementary school in Tennessee for 2026.
Yes, Tennessee has many magnet schools focusing on academics, arts, and innovation.
Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Nashville, and Collierville all feature highly ranked schools.
Lower ratios allow teachers to give more individual attention, improving learning outcomes.
Yes, many public elementary schools in Tennessee consistently achieve strong academic results.
