MURFREESBORO, TN – Rutherford County Schools have once again proven themselves a leader in Tennessee education. On November 21, 2025, the district celebrated a milestone achievement: 28 schools were named “Reward Schools” by the Tennessee Department of Education, the highest number ever for the county. This designation honors schools that meet or exceed state performance goals and show significant improvement from the prior year.
Last year, 20 schools earned the honor, and the previous record stood at 21. This year’s leap to 28 signals not just consistency but remarkable growth. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan praised the collective effort, noting that the district’s success comes from meeting students where they are and ensuring steady academic progress. “Our strategy is working,” Sullivan said, pointing to the recognition as proof of the district’s commitment.
The announcement follows another accolade: Rutherford County Schools was named a Level 5 district for student growth for the sixth consecutive year, with 32 individual schools also earning Level 5 status, the highest distinction available…