For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,033 students in Smith County, TN.
The top ranked public schools in Smith County, TN are Forks River Elementary School, Gordonsville Elementary School and Defeated Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Smith County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forks River Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
611 Cookeville Hwy
Elmwood, TN 38560
(615) 897-2676
Elmwood, TN 38560
(615) 897-2676
Gr: PK-8 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Gordonsville Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
104 Main Street East
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8252
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8252
Gr: 3-6 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Defeated Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
451 Defeated Creek Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Gr: PK-8 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
149 Skyline Dr
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Gr: PK-4 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
Smith County Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
134 Smith County Middle School
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Gr: 5-8 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
New Middleton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
402 New Middleton Hwy
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8411
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8411
Gr: PK-2 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Smith County High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
312 Fite Ave
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Gr: 9-12 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #88.
Union Heights Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
663 Lebanon Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Gr: PK-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #99.
Gordonsville High School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
110 Main Street East
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8245
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8245
Gr: 7-12 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Smith County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
743 Pleasant Shade Hw
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Pleasant Shade, TN 37145
(615) 677-6125
Gr: PK-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
126 Middle School Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Gr: 9-12
Smith County Vocational Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
135 Gordonsville Hw
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Smith County, TN?
The top ranked public schools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Gordonsville Elementary School and Defeated Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Smith County?
9 public schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Smith County include: Gordonsville High School vs. Smith County High School, Smith County High School vs. Gordonsville High School, Gordonsville Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School
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