Best High Schools in Zip Code 38012

Zip code 38012 is served by a single high school, Haywood High School, which enrolls 733 students in grades 9–12 as part of Haywood County Schools, a district ranked 140th out of 141 in Tennessee. Because Haywood High is the district's only high school, its performance mirrors the district's results exactly. The school currently holds a 1-star rating and ranks 356th out of 400 Tennessee high schools for the 2025–2026 school year, a slight improvement from last year's 0-star rating and 368th-place finish.

Academic proficiency at Haywood High trails the state in every tested subject. Geometry proficiency sits at just 6.7% compared to 42.3% statewide, while Algebra II is at 9.8% versus 37.3%. English II is the relative bright spot at 35.5% proficiency, but that still falls 22.6 points below the state average of 58.1%. Biology I, US History, and English I also lag far behind state levels. On a more encouraging note, Biology I showed a substantial year-over-year jump from 11.8% to 23.2% proficiency, and English II and Algebra II also improved. However, English I and Geometry declined, so progress is mixed.

Chronic absenteeism is a major concern, affecting 31.2% of students — roughly 73% higher than the state rate of 18.3%. Despite this, the dropout rate of 3.7% is actually better than the statewide 6.7%, suggesting students are staying in school even if engagement is lacking. The graduation rate of 83.3% lags the state average of 90.5%, meaning about one in six students does not graduate on time. Per-student spending is a relatively high $16,372, yet outcomes remain well below average, indicating that resources alone are not translating into academic gains. Haywood High's greatest needs are improving attendance, strengthening math and science instruction, and closing the large achievement gap with the rest of Tennessee.