Published June 18, 2025
Top Public High Schools in the Nashville Area: What Local Families Need to Know

As a local realtor in the Nashville and Franklin area, one of the questions I hear most from homebuyers is, “Which public schools are the best?” It's a great question. A strong school district not only supports your child’s education but can also boost your home’s long-term value. That’s why I’m sharing highlights from a recent local report, researched by Carol Smith of the Nashville Business Journal, based on data from the Tennessee Department of Education.
The rankings focus on public high schools across Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, and Williamson counties. If you’re planning to relocate or invest in a home in Middle Tennessee, this information will definitely come in handy.
How the Schools Were Ranked?
The performance scores were calculated using three years of data (2022 to 2024) from:
Standardized tests (TNReady/TCAP)
ACT scores in English, math, reading, and science
Math and English scores were given more weight, and 2024 results carried the most influence to reflect current performance.
In some cases, data was missing or suppressed due to low participation or extremely high or low results. If a score was suppressed because fewer than 5% or more than 95% of students met expectations, a flat value of 5% or 95% was used. Schools missing more than one data point weren’t included in the rankings to keep things accurate.
Each school’s raw performance score was compared to the top performer, which received a perfect score of 100. Other schools were scored in relation to that top benchmark.
Why This Matters for Buyers?
If you're searching for a home in areas like Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, or anywhere in the greater Nashville region, school zones matter. Homes in top-rated districts tend to hold their value better and attract more interest when it’s time to sell.
Even if you don’t have school-age kids, being in a high-performing district can make a difference in your property’s long-term appeal and investment potential.
If you'd like to see the top-ranked schools by county or want help finding homes within these standout zones, I’d love to help. Whether you're relocating or planning your next move here in Middle Tennessee, I’m happy to guide you every step of the way.
Email me at michelle@hsuhouse.com, I’m here to help you make your next move with confidence.