Dickson County

Dickson County, Tennessee is home to 17 schools, including 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The schools in this district show a wide range of performance, with some standout institutions like Burns Middle School and The Discovery School consistently outperforming the county and state averages on standardized tests. However, the district also faces challenges, such as high chronic absenteeism rates across all schools and lower performance at the alternative schools.

Burns Middle School ranks 56th out of 583 Tennessee middle schools and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. It consistently outperforms the Dickson County and Tennessee averages on standardized test scores, particularly in mathematics, science, and social studies. Another high-performing middle school is W. James Middle School, which ranks 156th out of 583 Tennessee middle schools and has a 4-star rating. It excels in science and social studies, with over 50% of students proficient or better in these subjects.

At the elementary level, The Discovery School stands out, ranking 179th out of 1,009 Tennessee elementary schools and earning a 4-star rating. It boasts strong performance in mathematics, English language arts, and science, with over 50% of students proficient or better in these areas. However, the district as a whole faces challenges, including high dropout rates at Dickson County High School and consistently high chronic absenteeism rates across all schools, which is significantly higher than the state average.