Summary:
Polk County Schools, a 1-star district ranked 125th out of 141 in Tennessee, serves two high schools: Polk County High School (grades 9-12, 400 students) and Copper Basin High School (grades 7-12, 231 students).
Copper Basin High School is the clear standout, earning 4 stars and ranking 114th out of 400 Tennessee high schools (72nd percentile), while Polk County High School sits at 201st (50th percentile, 2 stars). Copper Basin's graduation rate is 93.9%, well above the state average and far ahead of Polk County High School's 83.1%. Copper Basin also leads in English I, English II, US History, and Algebra I; Polk County counters with stronger results in Algebra II, Geometry, and Biology I.
Chronic absenteeism is a concern at both schools — 22.7% at Polk County High School and 23.6% at Copper Basin High School, both above the 18.3% state rate. Dropout rates are low, however: 2.2% and 3.0% versus 6.7% statewide. Spending differs significantly: Copper Basin spends $16,864 per student while Polk County High School spends $12,807. Both schools struggle in Algebra I (14.7% and 23.7% proficient versus 32.3% statewide), and Geometry is weak at Copper Basin (19.4%). Copper Basin shines in US History (66.7%) and English II (64.7%).
Both schools have slipped in state rankings over the past three years. Copper Basin fell from the 82nd percentile to the 72nd percentile, while Polk County High School dropped from the 66th to the 50th percentile and from 3 stars to 2 stars. Polk County High School's graduation rate is the most urgent issue, sitting well below the state average. Test scores are volatile given the small student bodies — Copper Basin's Algebra II proficiency fell from 51.9% to 31.8% in one year. Copper Basin remains a bright spot in an otherwise struggling district, but both schools need targeted work in Algebra I, Geometry, and chronic absenteeism.
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