Summary:
ZIP code 37803 contains two middle schools in Maryville, TN: Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School (grades 4–7) and Carpenters Middle School (grades 6–8). They belong to different districts—Maryville City Schools and Blount County Schools—which explains much of the performance gap. Montgomery Ridge earns a 5-star rating and ranks 31st out of 594 Tennessee middle schools (95th percentile), while Carpenters holds a 3-star rating and ranks 222nd (63rd percentile).
Montgomery Ridge is a clear standout, with all-grades proficiency rates far above state averages: math 67.2%, ELA 65.6%, science 77.6%, and social studies 76.0%. Carpenters is closer to state averages, with 36.8% math, 38.7% ELA, 46.5% science, and 55.7% social studies. In direct grade-level comparisons, the gap is dramatic—for 6th grade science, Montgomery Ridge posts 81.9% proficiency versus Carpenters' 38.7%. Even Montgomery Ridge's weakest area, 6th grade math (52.8%), exceeds Carpenters' 6th grade math (34.4%) by a wide margin. Carpenters does have a strength in social studies, especially 7th grade (61.5%), and improved in ELA and social studies year-over-year.
Chronic absenteeism aligns with achievement: Montgomery Ridge has a 12.0% rate versus Carpenters' 18.1%. Interestingly, Carpenters spends more per pupil ($12,088 vs. $11,033) yet scores lower across the board, suggesting that spending alone isn't the key driver. Both schools have slipped slightly in statewide percentile rankings over three years—Montgomery Ridge from 97th to 95th percentile, and Carpenters from 69th to 63rd—but neither decline is steep. For parents, the choice is clear: Montgomery Ridge, backed by one of Tennessee's top districts, offers exceptionally strong academics, while Carpenters is a solidly average option with specific bright spots in social studies.
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