U.S. News & World Report: McFadden, Central Magnet tops in Tennessee

November 15, 2024

Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools swept the top spots in U.S. News and World Report’s annual education rankings for Tennessee’s best elementary, middle and high schools.

Elementary: McFadden School of Excellence (K-5, Murfreesboro)
Middle: Central Magnet School (6-8, Murfreesboro)
High: Central Magnet School (9-12, Murfreesboro)

Thurman Francis Arts Academy (K-8) in Smyrna ranked fourth and second, respectively, among Tennessee’s elementary and middle schools.

State assessment data determines the rankings for most schools, according to the website. Scores give equal weight to the scores themselves and what the results mean the context of socioeconomic demographics, according to the website. 

The Tennessee Department of Education released student academic growth scores on Thursday and all three schools earned a Level 5 status, the highest rating awarded by the state. RCS was recognized as a Level 5 district, as were 32 of the 48 tested schools. Additionally, RCS boasts a 97.2% graduation rate for the 2023-2024 school year.