For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 1,567 students in Smith County, TN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Smith County, TN are Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Smith County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, TN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Tennessee public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle school average of 39% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Smith County (2026)
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.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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 middle schools in Smith County, TN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Smith County Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Smith County?
5 public middle schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public middle schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Smith County include: Defeated Elementary School vs. Forks River Elementary School, Forks River Elementary School vs. Defeated Elementary School
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.