Central Magnet Principals Reveal Secret to Top National Ranking
Central Magnet School Named #1 High School in America!
Updated August 20, 2026
What Happened?
Imagine your school getting a gold star for being the very best in the whole country. That’s exactly what happened to Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee!
On August 17, 2026, U.S. News & World Report (a famous magazine that ranks schools) announced Central Magnet as the #1 high school in America for the 2025-26 school year. This is a huge jump from last year when they were #3, and way up from #5 back in 2019.
Important Point: This ranking looks at things like test scores, graduation rates, and how well schools prepare students for college. Central Magnet aced all of them!
Meet the School
Quick Facts
- Location: Downtown Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Grades: 6th through 12th (middle AND high school together)
- Opened: 2010 (but the building has a longer history!)
- Motto: "Always my best"
- Specialty: A magnet school – this means it’s a public school that high-achieving students apply to attend, with extra focus on academics and special programs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
The Building’s Story
The school building has worn a few different "hats" over the years:
- Central High School – until 1972
- Central Middle School – from 1972 to 2010
- Central Magnet School – since 2010 (after Oakland and Riverdale High Schools opened)
Why Are They #1? The Proof Is in the Numbers
Central Magnet students didn’t just get lucky – they earned this with incredible results:
- 19 students got a perfect 36 on the ACT (that’s the highest score possible on this college entrance test!)
- 22 students named National Merit Semifinalists/Finalists (based on top PSAT scores – a practice SAT test)
- Graduates go to top colleges everywhere: Ivy League schools, MIT, Caltech, all U.S. military academies, and more
- The whole district shines: Many Rutherford County schools earned Level 5 (top growth score) and A grades on state report cards
Did You Know? The ACT is a big test students take for college admissions. A perfect 36 is extremely rare – like finding a four-leaf clover! Getting 19 in one school is amazing.
What People Are Saying
Student Body President Kayla Markwei (Senior)
"It really reflects Central’s motto of ‘always my best.’ We’re all here to pursue knowledge and fun. All of us who go to Central are nerds – even if we try to hide it, we all kind of know it. We appreciate being authentic."
Kayla’s Cool Project: She’s working with classmate Cayden Maloney to redesign medical stretchers so doctors and nurses get less back pain. She wants to be a surgeon!
Parent Jenine Ward (PTO Vice President)
"I’m even more proud of the character and integrity of Central Magnet students. Not only do they volunteer in the community, but they are generally just good kids. I credit the fabulous teachers and staff that extend the ‘always my best’ motto to academics and beyond."
Principal Clark Blair (New Principal, 21-year veteran)
"There’s great teachers and schools throughout our entire district. I’ve always said it’s a team effort. You can do amazing things when you come together for a common purpose."
Founding Principal John Ash (Now Director of Schools for Smith County)
"I’ve said for years that the students and teachers are the best anywhere, and now we have the data to back it up. The teachers deserve all the credit. They do whatever it takes to make sure each child is successful."
Rutherford County Schools Director 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."
The Secret Sauce: Teamwork!
Everyone agrees: this didn’t happen by accident. It takes a village:
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Teachers | "Do whatever it takes" for each student |
| Students | Work hard, embrace being "nerds," help each other |
| Parents | Support learning at home, volunteer, lead PTO |
| Principals | Ash built the foundation, Blair continues the legacy |
| District Leaders | Provide resources, hire great people, celebrate success |
Blair and Ash go way back – they helped start Christiana Middle School together in 2003!
What’s Next?
Kayla has big dreams: "I’d like to see her campus next earn international recognition as the No. 1 ranked high school in the world. We just keep pushing for it."
With their track record, don’t bet against them!
Summary
- Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, TN is now #1 in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, Aug 2026)
- Serves grades 6-12 since 2010 in a historic building
- Incredible stats: 19 perfect ACT scores, 22 National Merit scholars, top college placements
- Motto: "Always my best" – lived by students, teachers, parents, and leaders
- Everyone credits teamwork: Teachers get special praise for going above and beyond
- District-wide success: Many Rutherford County schools also earned top state honors
- Student culture: Smart, authentic, service-oriented, and yes – proudly "nerdy"
FAQ
1. What is a magnet school?
A magnet school is a free public school with a special focus (like STEM, arts, or academics) that students apply to attend. They’re designed to attract diverse, high-achieving students from across a district.
2. What’s the ACT and why does a 36 matter?
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the U.S. It covers English, math, reading, and science. Scores range from 1-36. A 36 is perfect – less than 0.25% of test-takers nationwide achieve it. Nineteen in one school is extraordinary.
3. What are National Merit Semifinalists/Finalists?
Students who score in the top ~1% on the PSAT (Practice SAT) in their state become Semifinalists. Those who maintain high grades, write an essay, and get recommended become Finalists – qualifying for special scholarships.
4. How long has Central Magnet been this good?
They’ve been climbing steadily: #5 in 2019 → #3 in 2025 → #1 in 2026. Founding principal John Ash led the school for 17 years (planning since 2009). New principal Clark Blair brings 21+ years of experience with high-achieving students.
5. Can any student in Rutherford County attend?
Central Magnet is an application-based school for high-achieving students. Families typically apply, and admission considers grades, test scores, and other factors. It serves grades 6-12, so students can stay for 7 years!
Way to go, Central Magnet! Your hard work just earned the biggest gold star in the country.