John Overton High School is a public high school located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is named after prominent Judge John Overton, advisor to President Andrew Jackson. The school opened in September 1958 and was renovated and expanded in 1995.
Serving 1,969 students in grades 9-12, John Overton High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,969 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 73% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John Overton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
John Overton High School's student population of 1,969 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 108 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,969 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Year Founded
1958
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Motto
EXPECT THE BEST!
School Rankings
John Overton High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Overton High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1332 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
2%
Hispanic
48%
15%
Black
21%
21%
White
23%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
73%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bobcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Overton High School's ranking?
John Overton High School is ranked #1332 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of John Overton High School?
The graduation rate of John Overton High School is 73%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend John Overton High School?
1,969 students attend John Overton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of John Overton High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Overton High School?
John Overton High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does John Overton High School offer ?
John Overton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John Overton High School part of?
John Overton High School is part of Davidson County School District.
School Reviews
5 9/12/2012
This school is amazing with great students who can lead TN in the future
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