Best Public Schools in Zip Code 37020

Zip code 37020 (Bell Buckle, TN) contains exactly one school, Cascade High School, serving grades 9–12 with an enrollment of 539 students. This single-school analysis focuses entirely on that institution, which is part of the Bedford County Schools district.

Cascade High School is a genuine standout, ranking 49th out of 400 Tennessee high schools (88th percentile, 4-star rating). Its state ranking has improved dramatically over three years, from 93rd in 2023–2024 to 55th in 2024–2025, and now 49th in 2025–2026. The school significantly outperforms its district and the state on non-academic measures: its graduation rate is 96.6% (district 92.2%, state 90.5%), its dropout rate is just 2.8% (district 5.4%, state 6.7%), and chronic absenteeism is only 11.4% (district 17.9%, state 18.3%). In academics, Cascade High School exceeds the district proficiency rate in every subject and beats the state in all but one. Highlights include US History at 59.8% proficiency (state 42.4%), English II at 63.8% (state 58.1%), Biology I at 55.2% (state 49.8%), and Geometry at 57.1% (state 42.3%). The school’s relative weak point is Algebra I, with 33.9% proficiency—only 1.6 points above the state average, though still far above the district’s 16.3%. Notably, 10th-grade Algebra II performance is exceptional at 90.5% proficiency, compared to 63.9% statewide. Per-student spending is $12,050.

Because Cascade High School is the only school in zip code 37020, there is no local comparison—but it clearly stands out on a statewide level. The school vastly outperforms its home district’s 38th-percentile ranking, suggesting it is a strong positive outlier within Bedford County Schools. Its consistent upward trajectory, strong graduation and attendance discipline, and excellent results across most subjects make it an appealing choice for families. The only area to watch is Algebra I, where proficiency is modest, and the school may want to focus additional support. Overall, this is a high-performing, rapidly improving high school in a small Tennessee community.