Fayette County Schools & Education
Fayette County, Tennessee
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
29/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,685
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
29/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#87
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Fayette County
School Verdict
Despite a lower school score of 29/100, Fayette County maintains a strong graduation rate of 90.0%, suggesting effective student support systems.
Funding Context
At $5,685 per pupil, Fayette County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Fayette County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 37% below the Tennessee average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Fayette County, Tennessee
A Growing Rural Education Infrastructure
Fayette County operates eight public schools serving a total of 3,271 students across two districts. The system is composed of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This compact infrastructure is designed to serve a primarily rural population with centralized academic centers.
Solid Graduation Success Above National Average
The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87% but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,685, which is lower than the state average of $6,215. The school score of 50.7 indicates the county is performing right at the national median for school quality.
Fayette County Public Schools Dominance
Fayette County Public Schools is the primary district, managing seven schools and 3,238 students. A much smaller specialized district under the Department of Children's Services serves 33 students in a single school. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring that community resources are concentrated in the traditional public system.
Rural Schools with Wide Enrollment Variation
Six of the county's schools are located in rural areas, with two in small towns, creating a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. Fayette Ware Comprehensive High is the largest school with 833 students, while Southwest Elementary is the smallest with 297 students. The average school size is 409, offering students a more intimate learning environment than larger neighboring counties.
Join a Community with Small, Focused Schools
Fayette County's smaller school sizes and 90% graduation rate make it a compelling choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle. As you explore local homes, consider the advantages of a school system where the average enrollment is just over 400 students. School quality is a lasting value-driver for property in this growing part of Tennessee.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Fayette County
Total Enrollment
3,271
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Fayette County
Fayette County Public Schools
Department Of Children's Services Education Division
8 Public Schools in Fayette County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette Ware Comprehensive High School | Fayette County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 833 |
| Oakland Elementary | Fayette County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 701 |
| Buckley-Carpenter Elementary School | Fayette County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 514 |
| West Junior High School | Fayette County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 378 |
| Southwest Elementary | Fayette County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 297 |
| East Jr. High School | Fayette County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 297 |
| La Grange Moscow Elementary | Fayette County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 218 |
| Wilder Youth Development Center | Department Of Children's Services Education Division | 6–12 | High | 33 |
Department Of Children's Services Education Division
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,685
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Fayette County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Fayette County?
How much does Fayette County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Fayette County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Fayette County, Tennessee?
Fayette County operates eight public schools serving a total of 3,271 students across two districts. The system is composed of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This compact infrastructure is designed to serve a primarily rural population with centralized academic centers.
How do schools in Fayette County perform academically?
The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87% but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,685, which is lower than the state average of $6,215. The school score of 50.7 indicates the county is performing right at the national median for school quality.
What are the major school districts in Fayette County, Tennessee?
Fayette County Public Schools is the primary district, managing seven schools and 3,238 students. A much smaller specialized district under the Department of Children's Services serves 33 students in a single school. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring that community resources are concentrated in the traditional public system.
What is the school experience like in Fayette County?
Six of the county's schools are located in rural areas, with two in small towns, creating a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. Fayette Ware Comprehensive High is the largest school with 833 students, while Southwest Elementary is the smallest with 297 students. The average school size is 409, offering students a more intimate learning environment than larger neighboring counties.
How can I find homes near good schools in Fayette County, Tennessee?
Fayette County's smaller school sizes and 90% graduation rate make it a compelling choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle. As you explore local homes, consider the advantages of a school system where the average enrollment is just over 400 students. School quality is a lasting value-driver for property in this growing part of Tennessee.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.