Serving 400 students in grades 9-12, Polk County High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Minority Enrollment: 6%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Polk County High School serves the western part of its school district in Benton, TN, covering an area of approximately 199.7 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 8 miles to the nearest boundary and up to 16.9 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Polk County High School's student population of 400 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
400 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Home of the Wildcats
School Rankings
Polk County High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polk County High School is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#985 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
4%
16%
Black
1%
20%
White
94%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
18%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polk County High School's ranking?
Polk County High School is ranked #985 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Polk County High School often compared to?
Polk County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Copper Basin High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Polk County High School?
The graduation rate of Polk County High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Polk County High School?
400 students attend Polk County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Polk County High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What grades does Polk County High School offer ?
Polk County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polk County High School part of?
Polk County High School is part of Polk County School District.
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