Summary:
In zip code 37311 (Cleveland, TN), there are two high schools within Bradley County Schools: Bradley Central High School and Bradley County Virtual School, serving grades 9–12 and 6–12, respectively.
Bradley Central High School is the traditional powerhouse with 1,649 students and a stellar 98% graduation rate, far outpacing the state’s 90.5%. Its dropout rate is just 1.5% versus 6.7% statewide, and its ranking has climbed from the 51st to the 60th percentile over the past three years. In contrast, Bradley County Virtual School serves only 132 students and has volatile rankings (50th → 67th → 52nd percentile), but it shines in English: 63.6% proficient in English I and a 50% all-grade ELA proficiency, beating both the district and state. The virtual school also leads in Biology I (54.5% vs. 39.6%). However, the virtual school’s math scores are strikingly low—only 13% proficient in Integrated Math III versus 42% at Bradley Central—making math a serious concern for families considering that option.
Spending differences are dramatic: Bradley County Virtual School spends $5,266 per student, less than half of Bradley Central High School’s $11,937. Despite this, the virtual school outperforms Bradley Central in English I, English II, Biology I, and US History, although Bradley Central’s graduation rate is far superior. Bradley Central also struggles with chronic absenteeism at 17.5%, higher than the district’s 14.9%. Small cohorts at the virtual school make results volatile, and neither school reports free/reduced lunch data, limiting socioeconomic comparisons. Overall, Bradley Central offers a reliable, high-achieving traditional path, while Bradley County Virtual School provides cost-effective strengths in ELA but carries notable risks in math and consistency.
Thank you for your feedback!