For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,131 students in Polk County, TN.
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 | 421 students Minority enrollment: 8%
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 | 347 students 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 | 293 students Minority enrollment: 5%
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 | 321 students Minority enrollment: 4%
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 | 231 students Minority enrollment: 5%
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 | 400 students Minority enrollment: 6%
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 | 147 students Minority enrollment: 5%
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 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, South Polk Elementary School vs. Benton Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.