Summary:
In zip code 38478 (Pulaski, TN), there are 2 elementary schools serving grades PK–5 that together form a single educational pipeline within Giles County Schools, a district ranked in the lower-middle range of Tennessee districts at the 36th percentile.
Pulaski Elementary School covers grades PK–2 and has no test scores because state testing typically starts in 3rd grade, while Southside Elementary School covers grades 3–5 and provides all the measurable academic outcomes for the area. Southside is the standout for performance data, showing a clear strength in science with 5th grade proficiency at 58.3% (nearly 12 points above the state) and excellent attendance with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 9.5%, far better than the district's 14.1% and the state's 18.3%. However, Southside's math proficiency dropped sharply from 46.6% to 40.0% between school years, with 4th grade math especially concerning at 36.8% — more than 12 points below both the district and state averages. English language arts is also a consistent weakness, hovering around 34–35% proficiency in both years, below the state average.
Pulaski stands out for its higher per-student spending of $15,999 compared to Southside's $13,496 (an $2,503 difference), possibly reflecting the costs of early-childhood staffing or services. Pulaski also has a higher chronic absenteeism rate at 15.6%, above the district average of 14.1%, though still below the state average. Parents should view these two schools as complementary halves of one elementary experience: attendance patterns at Pulaski may warrant attention, while Southside's 3rd–5th grade results provide the clearest picture of academic performance in the area, highlighting both a notable science strength and areas needing support in math and reading.
Thank you for your feedback!