Murfreesboro high school ranked no. 1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report
Wed, August 19, 2026 at 8:10 PM
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A Rutherford County school just claimed the top spot in the nation. Central Magnet School earned the No. 1 ranking in the country for the 2026-2027 school year. (Google Earth)
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WZTV) —A public high school in Tennessee just claimed the top ranking in the nation
Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro earned the No. 1 ranking in the country for the 2026-2027 school year
U.S. News ranked more than 27,000 public high schools across the country using six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college
The school had previously ranked third in last year’s rankings and has consistently placed among the best schools since opening in 2010
“We’re very proud to be the home of the best high school in the nation, and the employees, parents and students of Central Magnet School should be commended for their long history of unmatched performance,” said Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan. “This recognition also highlights the strength of public education in Rutherford County as a whole and the caliber of opportunities we provide for our students and families.”
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The school serves grades 6-12 and is open to any student in Rutherford County based on academic performance
“Being named the No. 1 school by U.S. News is such an achievement for Central and Rutherford County Schools,” said Dr. Clark Blair, who became principal of Central Magnet School in July. “We are honored to carry this torch for everyone who has ever walked the halls at Central. This recognition just confirms what our students and staff do each and every day. Central is such a unique place filled with students who love to learn in the classroom, compete in a variety of activities and sports, and build a future where they can make a difference in their community.”
Founding Principal Dr. John Ash, who recently left the school after being named the director of schools for Smith County, attended a pep rally at the school Wednesday to celebrate the ranking. “The school is high achieving because of the work ethic of the teachers and the students,” Ash said
