Summary:
In zip code 38255, there is exactly one elementary school option: Sharon School, a PK–8 school in Weakley County Schools serving 190 students in this small rural Tennessee community. Because there is only one school in the area, this summary focuses entirely on Sharon School’s performance, how it compares to its district and the state, and what parents should know.
Sharon School shows a dramatic split between its early and later grades. In 3rd grade, proficiency is outstanding: 92.3% in ELA and 92.9% in Science—double the state average in science and far above district scores. Math in 3rd grade is also strong at 78.6%. However, by 8th grade, performance drops sharply, with ELA proficiency at just 15.8% (compared to 36.3% district and 32.3% state), and Math at 47.4%, still above state but below district. All-grades proficiency is generally solid: Math 48.4%, ELA 50.8%, Science 65.6%, and Social Studies 50.0%. Science is the school's clear strength, exceeding both district and state. Social Studies is the only subject where the school falls below both the district (59.2%) and state (51.4%). The school’s overall rank has been volatile—going from the 33rd percentile in 2023–2024 to the 96th percentile in 2024–2025, then settling at the 88th percentile—likely due to very small grade cohorts causing big swings.
A major red flag is chronic absenteeism: 27.0% of students are chronically absent, more than double the district rate of 11.7% and well above the state's 18.3%. This is concerning because even though test scores are strong in early grades, high absenteeism can hurt older students, who already show low proficiency. The school spends a notable $22,342 per student, a high figure that likely reflects the cost of running a small school with only 190 students. With no other public school choice within the zip code, Sharon School is central to the community. While the early grades shine, the sharp decline by 8th grade and the absenteeism rate are issues parents should watch closely.
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