Rhea County Schools & Education
Rhea County, Tennessee
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,317
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#81
of 95 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Rhea County, Tennessee
Rhea County's Dual-District Educational Network
Rhea County supports 4,939 students through a total of eight public schools across two districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one centralized high school. This structure provides distinct educational environments for Dayton city residents and the wider county population.
Solid Performance with Strategic Spending
The county reports an 89.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average but slightly lower than the state mark. Rhea County spends $6,317 per pupil, which exceeds the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A composite school score of 51.5 suggests a stable learning environment that meets national expectations.
County and City District Collaboration
The Rhea County district manages 4,091 students across seven schools, while the Dayton district operates one school serving 848 students. There are no charter schools in Rhea County, keeping the focus entirely on these established public entities. This division allows Dayton to maintain a localized, high-enrollment elementary school separate from the county system.
Vibrant Rural and Town Campuses
The county features five rural schools and three town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 617 students per site. Rhea County High is the most significant hub with 1,500 students, followed by Dayton City Elementary with 848. This results in larger, more active campuses that serve as community focal points.
Settling Down in Rhea County
Prospective homeowners often look toward Dayton for its large town-based elementary school or the wider county for its expansive rural schools. The presence of Rhea County High as a central secondary school makes it a unifying factor for families across the region. Choosing a home here offers a blend of rural charm and well-funded public education.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Rhea County
Total Enrollment
4,939
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Rhea County
Rhea County
Dayton
8 Public Schools in Rhea County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhea County High School | Rhea County | 9–12 | High | 1,500 |
| Dayton City Elementary | Dayton | PK–8 | Primary | 848 |
| Rhea Central Elementary | Rhea County | PK–5 | Primary | 607 |
| Spring City Elementary | Rhea County | PK–5 | Primary | 570 |
| Rhea Middle School | Rhea County | 6–8 | Middle | 556 |
| Frazier Elementary | Rhea County | KG–5 | Primary | 336 |
| Spring City Middle School | Rhea County | 6–8 | Middle | 293 |
| Graysville Elementary School | Rhea County | PK–5 | Primary | 229 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,317
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Rhea County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Rhea County, Tennessee?
Rhea County supports 4,939 students through a total of eight public schools across two districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one centralized high school. This structure provides distinct educational environments for Dayton city residents and the wider county population.
How do schools in Rhea County perform academically?
The county reports an 89.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average but slightly lower than the state mark. Rhea County spends $6,317 per pupil, which exceeds the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A composite school score of 51.5 suggests a stable learning environment that meets national expectations.
What are the major school districts in Rhea County, Tennessee?
The Rhea County district manages 4,091 students across seven schools, while the Dayton district operates one school serving 848 students. There are no charter schools in Rhea County, keeping the focus entirely on these established public entities. This division allows Dayton to maintain a localized, high-enrollment elementary school separate from the county system.
What is the school experience like in Rhea County?
The county features five rural schools and three town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 617 students per site. Rhea County High is the most significant hub with 1,500 students, followed by Dayton City Elementary with 848. This results in larger, more active campuses that serve as community focal points.
How can I find homes near good schools in Rhea County, Tennessee?
Prospective homeowners often look toward Dayton for its large town-based elementary school or the wider county for its expansive rural schools. The presence of Rhea County High as a central secondary school makes it a unifying factor for families across the region. Choosing a home here offers a blend of rural charm and well-funded public education.
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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.