🎓 2024-25 SCHOOL LETTER GRADES
Updated Data
Find Your School's Letter Grade
Search all 1,697 Tennessee public schools across 95 counties. See how your school performs with detailed test scores and growth data.
A
0
Schools
20.9%
B
0
Schools
28.5%
C
0
Schools
28.9%
D
0
Schools
17.8%
F
0
Schools
3.9%
1,697
Schools
355 A-rated (21%)
483 B-rated (28%)
491 C-rated (29%)
302 D-rated (18%)
66 F-rated (4%)
What Are School Letter Grades?
Tennessee's A-F School Letter Grade System assigns each public school a letter grade—from A (Exemplary) to F (Needs Improvement)—giving parents and communities a clear, at-a-glance understanding of how their schools are performing academically.
Unlike complex metrics that require expertise to interpret, letter grades use a familiar format that every parent understands. Just like the report cards students bring home, an "A" means excellent and an "F" signals serious concerns.
The grading system was established by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-1-228 in 2016, though the first grades weren't issued until December 2023 due to testing disruptions from COVID-19. The 2024-25 grades were released in December 2024 and reflect the 2023-24 school year performance.
Three Core Goals of the System
- TransparencyProvide clear, easy-to-understand performance information that doesn't require a statistics degree to interpret. Parents deserve to know how their child's school stacks up.
- AccountabilityHold schools responsible for student outcomes and create incentives for continuous improvement. Schools that consistently underperform face additional oversight and support.
- Informed Decision-MakingEmpower parents to make the best educational choices for their children, whether that means advocating for improvements at their current school or exploring other options.
Letter Grade Scale
A4.5 - 5.0Exemplary
B3.5 - 4.49Above Average
C2.5 - 3.49Average
D1.5 - 2.49Below Average
F1.0 - 1.49Needs Improvement
Median score for TN schools: 3.2 (C)
How Schools Are Graded
Schools receive an indicator score of 1-5 for each category. Each score is multiplied by its weight to calculate the final letter grade. Here's what matters most:
Student Achievement
Measures how many students score "on track" or "mastered" on TCAP and End-of-Course exams. This is the biggest factor—are students actually learning the material?
Elem: 50%
Middle: 50%
High: 50%
Academic Growth
Tracks year-over-year improvement regardless of starting point. A student who moves from "below basic" to "approaching" shows valuable growth even without hitting proficiency.
Elem: 40%
Middle: 40%
High: 30%
Growth of Bottom 25%
Focuses specifically on the lowest-performing students. This ensures schools can't ignore struggling students while coasting on high achievers. Every kid matters.
Elem: 10%
Middle: 10%
High: 10%
College & Career Ready
High schools only. Measures graduation rates, ACT scores, industry certifications, and early postsecondary credits. Are students prepared for what comes next?
Elem: —
Middle: —
High: 10%
Why does achievement count for 50%? Tennessee prioritizes actual proficiency because growth alone doesn't guarantee students are ready for the next grade level. A school where students are growing but still far behind grade level needs different support than one where students are thriving.
Browse Schools by County
Select a county to view letter grades for every public school in that area. Click any school for detailed performance data.
Grade Key:ABCDF
Select a County to Begin
Choose a county from the dropdown above to see school grades for that area.
Resources & Downloads
A-F Letter Grades One-Pager
Quick reference guide explaining how school letter grades work in Tennessee.
Download PDF →Official TN Report Card
Access detailed performance data for every school on the state's official site.
Visit Site →TN Success Policy Work
Learn about education policy initiatives and advocacy in Tennessee.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
When were Tennessee school letter grades first issued?
The first A-F letter grades were issued in December 2023. The 2024-25 grades were released in December 2024, based on the 2023-24 school year performance data.
How often are school letter grades updated?
School letter grades are updated annually based on the most recent TCAP and EOC assessment results, typically released in December following the spring testing period.
What does a "C" grade mean for a Tennessee school?
A "C" grade indicates "Average" performance with a score between 2.5 and 3.49 out of 5. About 29% of Tennessee schools received a C grade in 2024-25.
Do charter schools receive letter grades?
Yes, all public schools in Tennessee receive letter grades, including traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools.
What is the "Growth of Bottom 25%" indicator?
This measures the academic progress of students who scored in the bottom 25% on the previous year's assessments. It ensures schools are held accountable for their highest-need students.
Which Tennessee county has the best school grades?
Williamson County consistently ranks highest, with the majority of its schools earning A or B grades. Other top performers include Wilson, Sumner, and Rutherford counties.
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