For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 special education public middle schools serving 1,122 students in Tennessee.
The top ranked special education public middle schools in Tennessee are Shrine School, Harris-hillman Special Education and Tenn School For Blind. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tennessee special education public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Tennessee public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 34% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public middle school average of 39% (majority Black).
Best Special Education Public Middle Schools in Tennessee (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shrine School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4259 Forest View Dr
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Gr: PK-12 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #22.
Harris-hillman Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1706 26th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Gr: PK-12 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Tenn School For Blind
Special Education School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Gr: PK-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Knox Adaptive Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5719 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Gr: PK-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Murrell At Glenn School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
322 Cleveland St
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 298-8070
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 298-8070
Gr: K-8 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
Cora Howe School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1928 Greenwood Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Gr: K-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #77.
Tennessee School For The Deaf Upper School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2725 Island Home Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Gr: 7-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
Avon School
Special Education School
310 Avon Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Gr: K-12 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked special education public middle schools in Tennessee?
The top ranked special education public middle schools in Tennessee include Shrine School, Harris-hillman Special Education and Tenn School For Blind.
How many special education public middle schools are located in Tennessee?
8 special education public middle schools are located in Tennessee.
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Tennessee special education public middle schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.