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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Smith County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,383 students in Smith County, TN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN are Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Carthage Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, TN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 36% statewide average). Pre schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschool average of 43% (majority Black).

Best Public Preschools in Smith County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forks River Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
611 Cookeville Hwy
Elmwood, TN 38560
(615) 897-2676
Gr: PK-8 | 208 students Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Defeated Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
451 Defeated Creek Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Gr: PK-8 | 288 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
149 Skyline Dr
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Gr: PK-4 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
New Middleton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
402 New Middleton Hwy
Gordonsville, TN 38563
(615) 683-8411
Gr: PK-2 | 210 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Union Heights Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
663 Lebanon Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Gr: PK-8 | 268 students Minority enrollment: 14%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Smith County, TN include Forks River Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School and Carthage Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Smith County?
5 public preschools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public preschools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Smith County are often viewed compared to one another?

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