Polk County Schools & Education
Polk County, Tennessee
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
55/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
97.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
97.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,997
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
55/100
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
#29
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Polk County
School Verdict
Polk County performs at an average level with a school score of 55/100 and a solid graduation rate of 97.0%.
Funding Context
At $5,997 per pupil, Polk County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Polk County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 18% above the Tennessee average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Polk County, Tennessee
A Comprehensive Rural School Network
Polk County supports 2,148 students through a network of seven public schools. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one specialized other facility. All education is provided through a single county-managed school district.
Exceptional Outcomes and Balanced Budgets
With a 97.0% graduation rate, Polk County is a top performer compared to the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,997, keeping the district efficient while maintaining a school score of 55.0. This score reflects academic performance that exceeds the state average of 53.6.
Traditional Education in a Single District
The Polk County school district serves all 2,148 students in the county without the presence of charter schools. This means 100% of public funding goes directly into the traditional school system. Families can expect a consistent curriculum across the different regions of the county.
Small Schools in a Rural Landscape
All seven schools in Polk County sit in rural locales, providing a scenic backdrop for learning. The average school size is 307 students, with Polk County High School being the largest at 443 students. Even the smallest middle school, Chilhowee, maintains a robust community feel with 322 students.
Live Near Top-Tier Rural Schools
Polk County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families searching for Tennessee real estate. Homes in areas like Benton or Copper Basin offer proximity to well-regarded primary and secondary campuses. Quality schools and small-town charm make this county a prime choice for relocating parents.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Polk County
Total Enrollment
2,148
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Polk County
Polk County
7 Public Schools in Polk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County High School | Polk County | 9–12 | High | 443 |
| Benton Elementary | Polk County | PK–5 | Primary | 370 |
| Copper Basin Elementary School | Polk County | PK–6 | Primary | 349 |
| South Polk Elementary | Polk County | PK–5 | Primary | 331 |
| Chilhowee Middle School | Polk County | 6–8 | Middle | 322 |
| Copper Basin High School | Polk County | 7–12 | High | 265 |
| Polk Innovative Learning Academy | Polk County | KG–12 | Other | 68 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,997
State avg $6,215
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Polk County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Polk County?
How much does Polk County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Polk County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Polk County, Tennessee?
Polk County supports 2,148 students through a network of seven public schools. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one specialized other facility. All education is provided through a single county-managed school district.
How do schools in Polk County perform academically?
With a 97.0% graduation rate, Polk County is a top performer compared to the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,997, keeping the district efficient while maintaining a school score of 55.0. This score reflects academic performance that exceeds the state average of 53.6.
What are the major school districts in Polk County, Tennessee?
The Polk County school district serves all 2,148 students in the county without the presence of charter schools. This means 100% of public funding goes directly into the traditional school system. Families can expect a consistent curriculum across the different regions of the county.
What is the school experience like in Polk County?
All seven schools in Polk County sit in rural locales, providing a scenic backdrop for learning. The average school size is 307 students, with Polk County High School being the largest at 443 students. Even the smallest middle school, Chilhowee, maintains a robust community feel with 322 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Polk County, Tennessee?
Polk County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families searching for Tennessee real estate. Homes in areas like Benton or Copper Basin offer proximity to well-regarded primary and secondary campuses. Quality schools and small-town charm make this county a prime choice for relocating parents.
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.