Summary:
The schools in Smith County, Tennessee include 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. While some schools in the district, like Gordonsville High School and the top-ranked elementary schools, excel academically, others like Smith County Middle School struggle, with proficiency rates well below state and county averages.
The highest-performing schools, such as Gordonsville High, Defeated Elementary, and Forks River Elementary, have consistently ranked among the top schools in Tennessee, with 4-star ratings and strong proficiency in core subjects. These schools also tend to have higher per-student spending, suggesting a potential link between resources and student outcomes. However, the lack of diversity in most schools, with white students making up 82-95% of the student population, raises concerns about equity and access.
Overall, the data highlights both the strengths and challenges within the Smith County school district. While the top-performing schools demonstrate sustainable excellence, the weaker performance at the middle school level and disparities across the district present opportunities for improvement and learning from the district's brightest spots.
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