For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,266 students in Fayette County, TN (there are , serving 1,016 private students). 76% of all K-12 students in Fayette County, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Fayette County, TN are Southwest Elementary School, Buckley-carpenter Elementary School and Oakland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Fayette County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Fayette County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Fayette County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
8095 Highway 194
Macon, TN 38048
(901) 465-8317
Macon, TN 38048
(901) 465-8317
Gr: PK-5 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #22.
Buckley-carpenter Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
12580 S Main St
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-5260
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #33.
Oakland Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
14925 Hwy 194 North
Oakland, TN 38060
(901) 465-3804
Oakland, TN 38060
(901) 465-3804
Gr: PK-5 | 674 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
La Grange Moscow Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
15655 Highway 57 East
Moscow, TN 38057
(901) 877-6854
Moscow, TN 38057
(901) 877-6854
Gr: PK-5 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Fayette Ware Comprehensive High School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
13520 Hwy 59 West
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-9838
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-9838
Gr: 9-12 | 802 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #66.
West Junior High School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
13100 Highway 194
Oakland, TN 38060
(901) 465-0798
Oakland, TN 38060
(901) 465-0798
Gr: 6-8 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Barbara Ward Cooper Education Center
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
13870 Hwy 59
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-7359
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-7359
Gr: 6-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #88.
East Jr. High School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
400 Leach Rd
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-3151
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-3151
Gr: 6-8 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: n/an/a
701 Olson Dr; Suite 112/113
La Grange, TN 38046
(402) 339-6592
La Grange, TN 38046
(402) 339-6592
Gr: PK | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Fayette County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
10425 Highway 76, South
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-3208
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-3208
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
13955 Highway 59, West
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-2086
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-2086
Gr: PK-5 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
12690 South Main St
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-2761
Somerville, TN 38068
(901) 465-2761
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Fayette County, TN?
The top-ranked public schools in Fayette County, TN include Southwest Elementary School, Buckley-carpenter Elementary School and Oakland Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Fayette County?
9 public schools are located in Fayette County.
What percentage of students in Fayette County go to public school?
76% of all K-12 students in Fayette County are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Fayette County?
Fayette County public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Fayette County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Fayette County include: West Junior High School vs. East Jr. High School, East Jr. High School vs. West Junior High School, Buckley-carpenter Elementary School vs. Oakland Elementary School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.