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 40% (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 | 208 students Minority enrollment: 10%
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 | 288 students Minority enrollment: 8%
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 | 289 students Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 268 students 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 | 541 students Minority enrollment: 8%
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 40% (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
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.