Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 38201

McKenzie Middle School is the only middle school serving zip code 38201 in Mc Kenzie, Tennessee, offering grades 5 through 8 with an enrollment of 378 students. Located in the McKenzie Special School District—which ranks 23rd out of 141 districts statewide (84th percentile, 4 stars)—this school provides a clear picture of educational performance in this small, single-school area.

McKenzie Middle School stands out immediately for its remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.1%, less than half the state average of 18.3%, indicating strong attendance and a supportive school climate. Academically, the school’s signature subject is Social Studies, with 57.1% proficiency overall—5.7 points above the state—driven by exceptional 6th and 8th grade scores of 63.0% and 60.4%, respectively. In math, overall proficiency (42.9%) is essentially at the state average, but this hides dramatic grade-level swings: 8th grade math shines at 56.0% (+17.7 over the state) and 6th grade is strong at 53.0% (+12.9), while 5th and 7th grade math lag significantly at 32.3% and 30.6%. English Language Arts is the weakest subject overall at 33.6% proficiency (−7.0 vs. state), with only 8th grade exceeding the state average (+6.2) and 5th grade notably low at 29.5% (−13.2). Science performance is mixed, with 6th and 8th grades above state averages but 7th grade falling 12.1 points behind.

Looking at recent trends, the school’s state ranking has declined steadily over three years, from 138th (76th percentile, 4 stars) in 2023–2024 to 165th (72nd percentile) in 2024–2025, and now 202nd (66th percentile, 3 stars) in 2025–2026. Year-over-year results show a notable 5-point drop in Social Studies proficiency (62.1% to 57.1%), while math, ELA, and science remained essentially flat. Given its strong attendance, excellent 8th grade performance in math and ELA, and clear Social Studies advantage, the school is solid but uneven. Parents should note that while overall performance remains above average, targeted support in ELA and 5th/7th grade math—plus attention to the declining ranking—may be key areas for improvement.