Best Public Schools in Zip Code 38351

Zip code 38351 in Lexington, Tennessee, is home to 6 public schools serving approximately 2,731 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, split across two districts: Lexington City Schools, which ranks 11th of 141 districts statewide (5 stars), and Henderson County Schools, which ranks 53rd (3 stars). This district divide is the defining feature of the area — the two city schools consistently outperform their county counterparts across nearly every subject area. Families in this zip code have access to a 5-star middle school, a 4-star high school, and two 4-star elementary schools, making it a strong overall public education option in West Tennessee.

Lexington Middle School is the clear standout, ranked 46th of 594 middle schools (92nd percentile) with 5 stars and an average proficiency of 63% across core subjects — well above state averages. Lexington High School is the top secondary option, ranked 60th of 400 high schools (85th percentile), with exceptional English II proficiency at 79.7%, though its 87.6% graduation rate trails the state average of 90.5%. Among elementary schools, Paul G. Caywood Elementary School leads with 4 stars and a 74th percentile ranking, anchored by strong 4th-grade results. Pin Oak Elementary School is the best-performing Henderson County elementary school, also at the 74th percentile and steadily improving over three years.

At the other end of the spectrum, Bargerton Elementary School is struggling with a 2-star rating and the lowest proficiency scores in the zip code (40.2% average), while South Haven Elementary School has declined from the 64th to 50th percentile and shows dramatic swings by grade level. Notably, spending and attendance do not align with outcomes: Bargerton spends the second-most per student yet performs lowest, while Lexington High School spends the least per student ($10,622) but ranks in the top 15% statewide. Chronic absenteeism is below the state average at every school in the zip code, yet the lowest absenteeism rates (Bargerton at 5.4%) do not correspond to the highest achievement. For families, Lexington City Schools provides the most consistent performance, while Lexington High School is the standout secondary option.