Best Public Schools in Zip Code 37663

Zip code 37663 in Kingsport, Tennessee, contains exactly one school—Miller Perry Elementary School—a public K-5 institution with 225 students that consistently ranks among the top 14% of elementary schools in the state. For families in this area, Miller Perry is the sole elementary option, and it stands out as a high performer within the Sullivan County Schools district, which itself ranks in the 55th percentile statewide. The school has earned 4 out of 5 stars for three consecutive years, placing 139th out of 1,019 Tennessee elementary schools for 2025–2026, or the 86th percentile. Its test proficiency rates are exceptional: 67.0% in English Language Arts, 60.7% in both mathematics and science, outpacing the district and state by double digits in every subject—most dramatically in ELA, where it exceeds the state average by 26.4 percentage points. Chronic absenteeism sits at 13.6%, well below the district's 20.8% and the state's 18.3%, a likely contributor to academic success.

Looking at grade-level performance, math proficiency improves dramatically from 45.2% in 3rd grade to 73.5% in 5th grade, while ELA remains consistently strong around 67-68% across all grades. Science peaks in 4th grade at 74.2%. However, year-over-year results paint a mixed picture: math dropped from 70.4% to 60.7% and science from 64.8% to 60.7%, while ELA rose from 58.7% to 67.0%. These shifts may reflect different cohorts of students rather than a clear trend. Per-student spending is $15,875, a substantial funding level that presumably supports instructional resources and interventions.

For parents, the key takeaway is that Miller Perry is a strong, stable school offering excellent literacy instruction, notable math growth across grade levels, and low absenteeism, all within a district that performs only modestly. The main watchpoints are the recent math and science declines and the absence of socioeconomic data like free/reduced lunch rates, which limits context. Since this is the only school in the zip code, families seeking alternatives would need to look beyond 37663 into the broader Sullivan County district. Overall, Miller Perry delivers above-average outcomes and is a compelling choice for elementary education.