Summary:
Zip code 37766 is home to one middle school, Lafollette Middle School, serving grades 6–8 in La Follette, Tennessee, as part of Campbell County Schools, a district ranked 131 out of 141 in the state. This school is the central option for local families, and while it shows some positive momentum, it faces serious academic and attendance challenges.
Lafollette Middle School has improved its state ranking three years in a row, moving from 511th to 461st, and proficiency rose in every subject compared to the prior year—most notably social studies, which jumped nearly 10 points. Still, the school remains well below state averages in all tested subjects. For example, only 23.2% of students are proficient in math versus 43.0% statewide, and science proficiency is just 23.5% compared to 46.9% statewide. The one standout bright spot is 6th grade social studies, where 55.5% of students are proficient, matching or exceeding both district and state averages. However, performance generally declines as students advance: 8th grade science proficiency drops to 16.1% and 8th grade ELA falls to 16.9%, while 7th grade math is the lowest at 13.0%.
The most concerning issue is chronic absenteeism. At 42.9%, the school’s rate is far higher than the district’s 28.6% and more than double the state’s 18.3%. This likely contributes to the academic struggles, as missing class makes it harder for students to keep up. Per-student spending is $11,944, but data on free/reduced lunch eligibility and student-teacher ratios is unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of the school’s demographics and resources. For parents considering this school, the improving test scores and strong 6th grade social studies show promise, but high absenteeism and widening gaps in later grades are important factors to weigh.
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