Rutherford County Schools & Education
Rutherford County, Tennessee
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,512
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#25
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Rutherford County
School Verdict
Rutherford County performs at an average level with a school score of 57/100 and a solid graduation rate of 95.0%.
Funding Context
At $6,512 per pupil, Rutherford County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Rutherford County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 20% above the Tennessee average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Rutherford County, Tennessee
A Large-Scale Suburban Education Powerhouse
Rutherford County manages a massive educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving over 60,115 students. The system is distributed across 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 13 high schools. Two distinct districts collaborate to provide comprehensive coverage for this rapidly growing population center.
Strong Results with Higher-Than-Average Investment
The county achieves an excellent 95.0% graduation rate, beating both state and national benchmarks. Its per-pupil expenditure of $6,512 is higher than the Tennessee average, contributing to a strong school score of 55.1. These numbers reflect a community that actively invests in its schools to secure top-tier student outcomes.
Managing High-Enrollment Districts
The Rutherford County district is the largest, managing 51 schools and 50,707 students, while the Murfreesboro district serves 9,408 students across 13 schools. High schools here are significantly large, with Stewarts Creek High and Rockvale High each enrolling over 2,200 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as traditional districts handle the total enrollment.
A Thriving Mix of Suburbs and Cities
The educational landscape is heavily suburban and urban, with 27 schools in suburbs and 24 in city settings. With an average school size of 954 students, attending school here feels bustling and dynamic. Large flagship schools like Smyrna and Blackman High Schools provide a high-energy environment with extensive resources for their 2,100+ students.
Investing Near Top-Tier Schools
Homebuyers often target the Stewarts Creek and Blackman areas specifically for their highly-rated, large-scale high schools. Rutherford County's reputation for high graduation rates makes it one of the most sought-after markets for families in the Nashville metro area. Choosing a home here often means securing a spot in a district that outperforms state academic averages.
School Overview
Total Schools
64
in Rutherford County
Total Enrollment
60,115
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Rutherford County
Rutherford County
Murfreesboro
64 Public Schools in Rutherford County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stewarts Creek High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,391 |
| Rockvale High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,292 |
| Smyrna High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,200 |
| Blackman High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,194 |
| Lavergne High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,100 |
| Riverdale High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 2,043 |
| Oakland High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 1,980 |
| Siegel High School | Rutherford County | 9–12 | High | 1,861 |
| Blackman Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,625 |
| Rockvale Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,383 |
| Roy L Waldron Elementary | Rutherford County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,339 |
| Stewarts Creek Elementary School | Rutherford County | KG–5 | Primary | 1,256 |
| Central Magnet School | Rutherford County | 6–12 | High | 1,210 |
| Rock Springs Elementary | Rutherford County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,189 |
| Siegel Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,185 |
| Oakland Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,103 |
| LaVergne Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,091 |
| Blackman Elementary School | Rutherford County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,075 |
| Rock Springs Middle School | Rutherford County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,066 |
| Scales Elementary School | Murfreesboro | KG–6 | Primary | 1,049 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,512
State avg $6,215
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Rutherford County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Rutherford County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Rutherford County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Rutherford County?
How much does Rutherford County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Rutherford County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
Rutherford County manages a massive educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving over 60,115 students. The system is distributed across 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 13 high schools. Two distinct districts collaborate to provide comprehensive coverage for this rapidly growing population center.
How do schools in Rutherford County perform academically?
The county achieves an excellent 95.0% graduation rate, beating both state and national benchmarks. Its per-pupil expenditure of $6,512 is higher than the Tennessee average, contributing to a strong school score of 55.1. These numbers reflect a community that actively invests in its schools to secure top-tier student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
The Rutherford County district is the largest, managing 51 schools and 50,707 students, while the Murfreesboro district serves 9,408 students across 13 schools. High schools here are significantly large, with Stewarts Creek High and Rockvale High each enrolling over 2,200 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as traditional districts handle the total enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Rutherford County?
The educational landscape is heavily suburban and urban, with 27 schools in suburbs and 24 in city settings. With an average school size of 954 students, attending school here feels bustling and dynamic. Large flagship schools like Smyrna and Blackman High Schools provide a high-energy environment with extensive resources for their 2,100+ students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
Homebuyers often target the Stewarts Creek and Blackman areas specifically for their highly-rated, large-scale high schools. Rutherford County's reputation for high graduation rates makes it one of the most sought-after markets for families in the Nashville metro area. Choosing a home here often means securing a spot in a district that outperforms state academic averages.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.