For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,266 students in Fayette County, TN (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,058 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 | 294 students Minority enrollment: 69%
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 | 491 students Minority enrollment: 65%
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 | 621 students Minority enrollment: 70%
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 | 196 students Minority enrollment: 66%
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 | 724 students Minority enrollment: 76%
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 | 340 students Minority enrollment: 74%
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 | 32 students 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 | 243 students Minority enrollment: 74%
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 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
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: East Jr. High School vs. West Junior High School, West Junior High School vs. East Jr. High School, Buckley-carpenter Elementary School vs. Oakland Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.