For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,131 students in Polk County, TN (there are , serving 11 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Polk County, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Polk County, TN are Benton Elementary School, South Polk Elementary School and Chilhowee Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Benton Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
215 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0090
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0090
Gr: PK-5 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
South Polk Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
Chilhowee Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
215 Schoolhouse Hill Rd
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0086
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0086
Gr: 6-8 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Copper Basin Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
206 Cougar Dr
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3271
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3271
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Copper Basin High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 Cougar Dr
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3291
Copperhill, TN 37317
(423) 496-3291
Gr: 7-12 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Polk County High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7200 Highway 411 North
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0078
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 299-0078
Gr: 9-12 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P O Box 40
Ducktown, TN 37326
(423) 496-3271
Ducktown, TN 37326
(423) 496-3271
Gr: PK-6 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Po Box 180
Turtletown, TN 37391
(423) 496-3288
Turtletown, TN 37391
(423) 496-3288
Gr: PK-6 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Polk County, TN?
The top-ranked public schools in Polk County, TN include Benton Elementary School, South Polk Elementary School and Chilhowee Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
7 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Copper Basin High School vs. Polk County High School, Polk County High School vs. Copper Basin High School, Copper Basin Elementary School vs. South Polk Elementary School
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