St. Agnes Academy and St. Dominic School Top 5 · Oldest Founding Date (TN)

Memphis University School Top 3 · Highest Avg. ACT Score (TN)

Saint Matthew Catholic School Top 3 · Lowest Acceptance Rate (TN)

Home > Find Schools > School Rankings > Most Selective Schools > Tennessee

Most Selective Private Schools in Tennessee

Name: Tennessee Average Acceptance Rate Trends (All Private Schools)
Creator: Private School Review
License: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/terms

The average private school acceptance rate in Tennessee is 85% per year (2026-27).

The most selective school in Tennessee is University School Of Nashville, with an acceptance rate of 35%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

# TN Schools Ranked: 83
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 35%–80%
TN School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 87%

Quick Facts (26-27)

# TN Schools Ranked: 83
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 35%–80%
TN School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 87%

Tennessee Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓

Total Growth: (-4.5%) (-4% since 2016)

View Data

Year	National avg	Tennessee (TN) avg
2025	85%	85% (▼ 1 pp)
2024	85%	86% (— 0 pp)
2023	85%	86% (— 0 pp)
2022	85%	86% (▼ 2 pp)
2021	85%	88% (— 0 pp)
2020	85%	88% (— 0 pp)
2019	85%	88% (— 0 pp)
2018	85%	88% (— 0 pp)
2017	85%	88% (▼ 1 pp)
2016	85%	89% (— 0 pp)
2015	85%	89%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Private School Universe Survey (PSS), direct school submissions, and proprietary website research and analysis by Private School Review.

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Show school map — Tennessee (acceptance rate range: 35%–80%, avg 86%)

Acceptance Rate Range: 35% 90% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 75%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tennessee average private schools acceptance rate?

The Tennessee average private schools acceptance rate is 85% for 2026-27.

What are the most selective private schools in Tennessee?

The top ranked private schools in Tennessee include University School Of Nashville, Montessori East and The Covenant School.

What is the most selective high school and elementary school in Tennessee?

The most selective private high school in Tennessee is University School Of Nashville, with an acceptance rate of 35%. The most selective private elementary school is University School Of Nashville, with an acceptance rate of 35%.

Recent Articles

October 27, 2026

When a Private School Changes Head of School

A private school leadership change can raise important questions. Learn how to evaluate head of school transitions, identify warning signs, and protect your child's educational experience before enrolling confidently.

October 27, 2026

Private School Financial Aid Renewal: Could Awards Shrink?

Could your private school financial aid shrink next year? Learn why awards change, how income and school budgets affect renewal, and what parents can do to protect affordability long-term.

October 27, 2026

Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Private School Admissions

Understand how need-blind and need-aware private school admissions affect acceptance decisions, financial aid eligibility, and affordability, with practical guidance to help parents compare schools, ask questions, and plan confidently ahead.