For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 special education public high schools serving 1,088 students in Tennessee.
The top-ranked special education public high 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 high schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Tennessee public high school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Tennessee special education public high school have a Graduation Rate of 50%, which is less than the Tennessee average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Harris-hillman Special Education, with ≥50% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Tennessee or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public high school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Special Education Public High 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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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 high schools in Tennessee?
The top-ranked special education public high schools in Tennessee include Shrine School, Harris-hillman Special Education and Tenn School For Blind.
How many special education public high schools are located in Tennessee?
7 special education public high schools are located in Tennessee.
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Tennessee special education public high schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public high schools average of 42% (majority Black).
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