Smith County Schools & Education
Smith County, Tennessee
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,812
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#70
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Explore Smith County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Smith County, Tennessee
A Compact Rural Education Network
Smith County supports a small network of 9 public schools catering to 3,061 students. The system is comprised of six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single local district. This compact structure serves a primarily rural population with centralized academic resources.
Solid Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget
The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Smith County operates with high fiscal efficiency, spending just $5,812 per pupil, which is below the state average. While the school score of 52.0 is slightly under the state benchmark, the high graduation rates demonstrate a commitment to student completion.
Single District Stability in Carthage
The Smith County district manages all 9 schools in the area, and there are currently no charter schools available. Gordonsville High School is the largest institution in the county with 540 students, followed closely by Smith County High School with 501. This small-scale district ensures that nearly every student is known by name within their school community.
Quiet Learning in a Rural Setting
The educational environment is almost entirely rural, with 7 schools in rural locales and 2 in town settings. An average school size of only 340 students creates a personalized, low-pressure atmosphere for learning. Even the largest primary school, Carthage Elementary, serves a modest 445 students, ensuring a manageable and familiar environment.
Affordable Living Near Reliable Schools
Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find Smith County's schools to be a stable and graduation-focused choice. Proximity to Gordonsville or Carthage provides the most direct access to the county's primary and secondary campuses. For buyers looking for high graduation rates and small school sizes, Smith County is a hidden gem in Middle Tennessee.
School Overview
Total Schools
9
in Smith County
Total Enrollment
3,061
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Smith County
Smith County
9 Public Schools in Smith County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordonsville High School | Smith County | 7–12 | High | 540 |
| Smith County High School | Smith County | 9–12 | High | 501 |
| Carthage Elementary | Smith County | PK–4 | Primary | 445 |
| Smith County Middle School | Smith County | 5–8 | Middle | 327 |
| Gordonsville Elementary School | Smith County | 3–6 | Primary | 326 |
| Defeated Elementary | Smith County | PK–8 | Primary | 277 |
| New Middleton Elementary | Smith County | PK–2 | Primary | 227 |
| Union Heights Elementary | Smith County | PK–8 | Primary | 216 |
| Forks River Elementary | Smith County | PK–8 | Primary | 202 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,812
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Smith County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Smith County, Tennessee?
Smith County supports a small network of 9 public schools catering to 3,061 students. The system is comprised of six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single local district. This compact structure serves a primarily rural population with centralized academic resources.
How do schools in Smith County perform academically?
The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Smith County operates with high fiscal efficiency, spending just $5,812 per pupil, which is below the state average. While the school score of 52.0 is slightly under the state benchmark, the high graduation rates demonstrate a commitment to student completion.
What are the major school districts in Smith County, Tennessee?
The Smith County district manages all 9 schools in the area, and there are currently no charter schools available. Gordonsville High School is the largest institution in the county with 540 students, followed closely by Smith County High School with 501. This small-scale district ensures that nearly every student is known by name within their school community.
What is the school experience like in Smith County?
The educational environment is almost entirely rural, with 7 schools in rural locales and 2 in town settings. An average school size of only 340 students creates a personalized, low-pressure atmosphere for learning. Even the largest primary school, Carthage Elementary, serves a modest 445 students, ensuring a manageable and familiar environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Smith County, Tennessee?
Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find Smith County's schools to be a stable and graduation-focused choice. Proximity to Gordonsville or Carthage provides the most direct access to the county's primary and secondary campuses. For buyers looking for high graduation rates and small school sizes, Smith County is a hidden gem in Middle Tennessee.
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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.