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Best Tennessee Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 604 private schools serving 113,875 students in Tennessee (there are 1,925 public schools, serving 1,010,422 students). 10% of all K-12 students in Tennessee attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $13,593 for elementary schools and $14,671 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Tennessee include Memphis University School, Lipscomb Academy, and University School Of Nashville.
The average acceptance rate is 83% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 20% and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.
68% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Baptist.

Top-Ranked Tennessee Private Schools by County (2025-26)

County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
78
21,882
21%
39
11,352
20%
55
12,587
17%
12
3,395
21%
14
2,521
12%
109
20,952
12%
15
6,656
19%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Tennessee?
The top-ranked private schools in Tennessee include Memphis University School, Lipscomb Academy, and University School Of Nashville.
How many private schools are located in Tennessee?
There are 604 private schools are located in Tennessee.
How much do private schools cost in Tennessee?
The average private school tuition in Tennessee is $13,593 for elementary schools and $14,671 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Tennessee?
Approximately 20% of students in Tennessee private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Tennessee go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in Tennessee attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Tennessee?
68% of private schools in Tennessee are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Baptist.
Which private schools in Tennessee are often viewed compared to one another?

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