Summary:
ZIP code 37871 has just one elementary school: Rush Strong Elementary School, a PK–8 campus in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, operating within Jefferson County Schools. Because it is the only elementary option in the area, families have no direct comparison point, so its performance is best measured against district and state averages.
The school saw a sharp drop in its statewide ranking, falling from the 51st percentile (3 stars) in 2024–2025 to the 28th percentile (1 star) in 2025–2026. In 2025–2026, all-grades proficiency was below district and state in every subject: math (34.6% vs. 43.3% district), ELA (27.9% vs. 39.4%), science (35.0% vs. 43.5%), and social studies (38.5% vs. 52.0%). Year over year, proficiency declined in all four subjects, with ELA falling hardest (-7.4 points) and science (-5.8) and social studies (-6.4) also dropping.
Positively, Rush Strong has a low chronic absenteeism rate (11.5% vs. 19.1% district) and strong early-grade results, like 3rd grade math (53.7% proficient) and 3rd grade science (50.0%), both above state averages. However, upper grades show steep declines, including 5th grade ELA at just 18.4% and 6th grade math at 17.9%. With only 518 students, one struggling cohort can sway results, but the consistent pattern suggests systemic challenges in literacy and middle-grade achievement. Spending was $11,942 per student in 2024–2025.
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