For the 2026 school year, there are 8 special education public middle schools serving 1,028 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 17% (versus the Tennessee public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 20% (versus the 34% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public middle school average of 40% (majority Black).
Best Special Education Public Middle Schools in Tennessee (2026)
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 | 126 students Minority enrollment: 93%
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 | 458 students Minority enrollment: 46%
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 | 100 students Minority enrollment: 48%
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 | 42 students Minority enrollment: 40%
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 | 30 students Minority enrollment: 83%
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 | 78 students Minority enrollment: 65%
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 | 174 students Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: n/an/a
Tennessee School For The Deaf Middle School
Special Education School
2527 Island Home Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2507
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2507
Gr: 6-8 | 20 students Minority enrollment: 45%
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 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public middle schools average of 40% (majority Black).
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.