Tennessee offers a strong network of middle schools that focus on academic readiness, creative learning, and student development during critical transitional years. Cities such as Nashville and Memphis are home to several high-performing public middle schools known for structured academics, supportive teachers, and enrichment opportunities. This 2026 list of the best middle schools in Tennessee highlights top-ranked schools based on academic reputation, enrollment size, student–teacher ratios, and overall learning environment.
Best Middle Schools in Tennessee – Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Croft Middle School | Nashville | 6–8 | 233 | 15:1 |
| #2 | Colonial Middle School | Memphis | 6–8 | 362 | 20:1 |
| #3 | H. G. Hill Middle School | Nashville | 6–8 | 433 | 15:1 |
| #4 | Bellevue Middle School | Memphis | 6–8 | 202 | 17:1 |
| #5 | East Nashville Middle School | Nashville | 5–8 | 285 | 15:1 |
| #6 | Donelson Middle School | Nashville | 6–8 | 215 | 13:1 |
| #7 | A. Maceo Walker Middle School | Memphis | 6–8 | 212 | 18:1 |
| #8 | American Way Middle School | Memphis | 6–8 | 335 | 17:1 |
| #9 | Haynes Middle School | Nashville | 6–8 | 252 | 24:1 |
| #10 | Chickasaw Middle School | Memphis | 6–8 | 362 | 25:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Tennessee
1. Croft Middle School
Address: 482 Elysian Fields Dr, Nashville, TN 37211
Ranking: #1 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 233
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Croft Design Center Middle School is located in the Antioch area of Nashville and serves students in grades 6–8. The school emphasizes creative problem-solving, design-based learning, and academic growth. With a balanced student–teacher ratio, Croft Middle provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to think critically while developing strong foundational skills.
2. Colonial Middle School
Address: 1370 Colonial Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
Ranking: #2 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 362
Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit this school
Colonial Middle School is located in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis and serves grades 6–8. Known for its large and diverse student body, the school focuses on academic readiness and structured instruction. Colonial Middle offers a broad curriculum designed to prepare students for high school while encouraging discipline and responsibility.
3. H. G. Hill Middle School
Address: 150 Davidson Rd, Nashville, TN 37205
Ranking: #3 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 433
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
G. Hill Middle School is situated in the Germantown area of Nashville and serves students in grades 6–8. The school is well-regarded for its consistent academic performance and community involvement. With moderate enrollment and a supportive teaching staff, H. G. Hill Middle focuses on academic growth and student engagement.
4. Bellevue Middle School
Address: 575 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104
Ranking: #4 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 202
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Bellevue Middle School is located in East Memphis and serves grades 6–8. The school provides a structured learning environment with a focus on academic achievement and personal development. Bellevue Middle supports students through balanced classroom instruction and extracurricular opportunities.
5. East Nashville Middle School
Address: 110 Gallatin Rd, Nashville, TN 37206
Ranking: #5 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 5–8
Students: 285
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
East Nashville Middle School serves students in grades 5–8 and is located in the East Nashville area. The school emphasizes inclusivity, academic growth, and student engagement. With a manageable student population, East Nashville Middle offers personalized learning opportunities and a supportive educational atmosphere.
6. Donelson Middle School
Address: 110 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Ranking: #6 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 215
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Donelson Middle School is located in the Donelson area of Nashville and serves grades 6–8. The school is known for maintaining a lower student–teacher ratio, allowing for individualized instruction. Donelson Middle focuses on academic preparation, student confidence, and responsible learning habits.
7. A. Maceo Walker Middle School
Address: 1900 East Raines Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
Ranking: #7 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 212
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
Maceo Walker Middle School is located in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis and serves students in grades 6–8. The school supports academic growth through structured instruction and student-focused programs. It aims to prepare students for high school while fostering responsibility and engagement.
Historical & Interesting Facts About Tennessee Middle Schools
- Tennessee expanded magnet and design-centered middle schools during the 2000s.
- Nashville and Memphis host the highest concentration of top-ranked middle schools in the state.
- Middle schools in Tennessee emphasize career readiness and high school preparation.
- Student–teacher ratios vary widely based on district size and enrollment density.
8. American Way Middle School
Address: 3805 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
Ranking: #8 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 335
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
American Way Middle School is situated in South Memphis and serves grades 6–8. The school offers a comprehensive academic curriculum aimed at building strong foundational skills. With consistent instructional practices, American Way Middle helps students transition smoothly into high school education.
9. Haynes Middle School
Address: 510 West Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37207
Ranking: #9 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 252
Student–Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Link: Visit this school
Haynes Middle School is located in the Bordeaux area of Nashville and serves grades 6–8. The school focuses on academic fundamentals and student development. Although the student–teacher ratio is higher, Haynes Middle provides structured learning programs to support student achievement.
10. Chickasaw Middle School
Address: 4060 Westmont Rd, Memphis, TN 38109
Ranking: #10 Middle School in Tennessee
Grades: 6–8
Students: 362
Student–Teacher Ratio: 25:1
Link: Visit this school
Chickasaw Middle School is located in the Raleigh area of Memphis and serves grades 6–8. The school offers a structured academic environment focused on preparing students for high school coursework. Chickasaw Middle emphasizes consistency, academic readiness, and student support.
Conclusion
The best middle schools in Tennessee for 2026 provide strong academic foundations, structured learning environments, and supportive teaching staff. Whether families prefer urban schools in Nashville and Memphis or community-focused campuses, Tennessee offers a wide range of quality middle school options that prepare students for long-term academic success.
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FAQs
Croft Middle School ranks as the top middle school in Tennessee for 2026.
Nashville and Memphis have the highest number of top-ranked middle schools.
Lower ratios allow teachers to provide more individualized academic support.
Yes, most top-ranked middle schools in Tennessee are public schools.
Yes, these schools focus strongly on academic readiness and foundational skills.
