Summary:
ZIP code 37849 encompasses the Powell, Tennessee area and contains exactly one high school, Powell High School, which serves grades 9 through 12 as part of Knox County Schools.
Powell High School is a mid-sized public school with about 1,253 students and a 3-star rating, ranking near the middle of Tennessee high schools (50th percentile in 2025–2026). Compared to its district, Knox County Schools (a 2-star district), Powell is performing slightly better overall. The graduation rate is a positive point at 91.8%, just above the state average of 90.5%. However, the school struggles with attendance: 23.0% of students are chronically absent, which is nearly 5 points higher than the state, and the dropout rate of 7.0% is also above district and state levels. In terms of academics, Powell shows clear strengths in Biology I (51.7% proficient, above the state’s 49.8%) and US History (44.0% vs. 42.4%). Biology is especially impressive for 10th graders, with a 71.9% proficiency rate compared to 41.3% statewide. The school also excels in 10th-grade Algebra II, where 83.8% of students are proficient, matching the district and far exceeding the state.
On the other hand, there are notable weaknesses. Algebra I is a major concern—only 16.5% of students are proficient, about half the state average (32.3%). Geometry proficiency is also low at 30.3%, well below Tennessee’s 42.3%, with students taking Geometry in later grades struggling significantly. English I saw a sharp decline from 41.4% to 30.3% in one year, leaving Powell well behind both the district and state. While the school improved in several subjects like Algebra I and Biology year-over-year, the drop in English I and persistent math gaps suggest that targeting foundational English and early math instruction could have the biggest impact. Per-student spending is $13,352, which is relatively high, yet math outcomes lag, raising questions about how resources are being used to support struggling students.
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