Trousdale County Schools

Trousdale County Schools, a small district in Hartsville, Tennessee, serves approximately 1,411 students across three schools: Trousdale County Elementary School (PK–5), Jim Satterfield Middle School (6–8), and Trousdale County High School (8–12), and ranks 12th out of 141 Tennessee districts. The district enjoys a strong 5-star reputation, but it is not evenly distributed across its schools. Trousdale County High School is the clear standout, ranking 31st of 400 high schools statewide (92nd percentile, 5 stars), while Jim Satterfield Middle School ranks 70th of 594 (88th percentile, 4 stars). Trousdale County Elementary School, however, ranks just 328th of 1,019 elementary schools (68th percentile, 3 stars), making it the relative weak spot in an otherwise excellent district.

Trousdale County High School leads the way with impressive proficiency rates in Algebra II (58.8%), Biology I (64.9%), English II (65.8%), and U.S. History (61.7%) — all well above state averages — and maintains a very low dropout rate of just 2.1% versus the state's 6.7%. Jim Satterfield Middle School is quietly excellent, with the district's lowest chronic absenteeism rate at 10.6% and standout 7th grade scores in social studies (82.9% proficient) and science (73.2%). Trousdale County Elementary School lags behind the other two schools in math (53.2%) and science (48.0%), and a pronounced 5th-grade slump pulls down its overall performance. In 5th grade, proficiency falls below the state average in math (40.7% vs. 47.4%), ELA (38.9% vs. 42.7%), and science (37.0% vs. 46.5%).

Attendance is a clear strength district-wide, with chronic absenteeism at 13.5% compared to the state's 18.3%. Per-student spending is consistent, ranging from $11,448 at the elementary school to $12,040 at the high school. The graduation rate of 87.2% trails the state's 90.5%, though the low dropout rate suggests this discrepancy may stem from transfers or data reporting. The 7th grade at Jim Satterfield Middle School represents an exceptional cohort worth celebrating, while the 5th-grade decline at Trousdale County Elementary School deserves attention. Parents will find high-performing high and middle schools, with the elementary school's upper grades being the primary area to watch.