Top Rankings
Polk County School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,441 students in Polk County School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in Tennessee.
Public Elementary Schools in Polk County School District have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 36% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (TN)
# Schools
7 Schools
1,500 Schools
# Students
2,131 Students
719,413 Students
# Teachers
159 Teachers
48,388 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
District Rank
Polk County School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 147 school districts in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 90-94% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#58 out of 147 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
40%
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.09
0.61
# American Indian Students
5 Students
1,225 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
8 Students
15,029 Students
% Asian Students
1%
2%
# Hispanic Students
49 Students
106,507 Students
% Hispanic Students
2%
15%
# Black Students
24 Students
149,772 Students
% Black Students
1%
21%
# White Students
2,028 Students
410,765 Students
% White Students
95%
57%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
856 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
17 Students
35,256 Students
% of Two or more races Students
1%
5%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
113
29,574
# Students in K Grade:
161
74,511
# Students in 1st Grade:
168
76,014
# Students in 2nd Grade:
144
77,971
# Students in 3rd Grade:
168
74,743
# Students in 4th Grade:
144
75,052
# Students in 5th Grade:
139
75,941
# Students in 6th Grade:
138
75,064
# Students in 7th Grade:
151
70,062
# Students in 8th Grade:
135
69,763
# Students in 9th Grade:
190
5,469
# Students in 10th Grade:
167
5,392
# Students in 11th Grade:
157
4,910
# Students in 12th Grade:
156
4,947
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $11,594 in this school district is less than the state median of $11,979. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $11,043 is less than the state median of $11,478. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$25 MM
$12,104 MM
Spending
$24 MM
$11,597 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,594
$11,979
Spending / Student
$11,043
$11,478
Best Polk County School District Public Elementary Schools (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 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: #55.
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
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
