For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,383 students in Smith County, TN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN are Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Carthage Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, TN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 36% statewide average). Pre schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschool average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools 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.
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 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
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 | 210 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Carthage Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Smith County?
5 public preschools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public preschools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Smith County include: Defeated Elementary School vs. Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School vs. Carthage 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.