Summary:
In zip code 37738 (Gatlinburg, Tennessee), there is exactly one middle school: Gatlinburg Pittman Junior High School, part of Sevier County Schools. Serving grades 7–9 with an enrollment of 377 students, this school is somewhat unique because it includes 9th grade, meaning students take high school–level courses like Algebra I, Biology I, English I, and Geometry. Because it is the only middle school in the zip code, the most useful comparisons are against district and state averages rather than other local schools.
Gatlinburg Pittman Junior High stands out for its strong performance in advanced and 8th-grade coursework. In 2025–2026, 8th-grade math proficiency hit 63.2%, far exceeding the district (43.3%) and state (38.3%). Geometry proficiency in 2024–2025 was an exceptional 88.9% compared to just 28.3% for the district. High school–level subjects were also strong: English I proficiency was 52.5% versus 35.7% for the district, and Biology I was 51.5% versus 38.5%. The school earned a 4-star state ranking in the two prior years before dropping to 3 stars in 2025–2026, though it still ranked at the 58th percentile statewide.
Despite these strengths, the school has notable weaknesses. English Language Arts proficiency is a persistent concern at 31.9%, well below the state average of 40.6%. Chronic absenteeism is also elevated at 26.1%, higher than both the district (23.2%) and state (18.3%). Furthermore, 7th-grade performance lags noticeably behind 8th grade in math, science, and social studies. This contrast suggests a stronger 8th-grade cohort or the channeling of advanced students into high school courses. For families, this school offers excellent opportunities in advanced math and science, but ELA support and improved attendance should be priorities.
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