For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,131 students in Polk County, TN (there are 1 private school, serving 11 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Polk County, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, TN are Benton Elementary School, South Polk Elementary School and Chilhowee Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Benton Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
215 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0090
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0090
Grades: PK-5
| 395 students
Rank: #22.
South Polk Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
964 Old Federal Rd
Old Fort, TN 37362
(423) 338-4512
Old Fort, TN 37362
(423) 338-4512
Grades: PK-5
| 341 students
Rank: #33.
Chilhowee Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
215 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0086
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0086
Grades: 6-8
| 292 students
Rank: #44.
Copper Basin High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 Cougar Dr
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3291
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3291
Grades: 7-12
| 244 students
Rank: #55.
Polk County High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7200 Highway 411 North
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0078
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0078
Grades: 9-12
| 446 students
Rank: #66.
Copper Basin Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
206 Cougar Dr
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3271
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3271
Grades: PK-6
| 316 students
Rank: #77.
Polk Innovative Learning Academy
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
131 Stephens St
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0471
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0471
Grades: K-12
| 97 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
P O Box 40
Ducktown, TN 37326
(423) 496-3271
Ducktown, TN 37326
(423) 496-3271
Grades: PK-6
| 300 students
131 Stephens St
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0471
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0471
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Po Box 180
Turtletown, TN 37391
(423) 496-3288
Turtletown, TN 37391
(423) 496-3288
Grades: PK-6
| 101 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, TN?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, TN include Benton Elementary School, South Polk Elementary School and Chilhowee Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
7 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Copper Basin High School vs. Polk County High School, Polk County High School vs. Copper Basin High School, South Polk Elementary School vs. Benton Elementary School
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