Serving 476 students in grades 9-12, Smith 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 20% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 476 students
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Smith County High School serves the northern part of its school district in Carthage, TN, encompassing an area of approximately 218.3 square miles. Families in this zone can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 12.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Smith County High School's student population of 476 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
476 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
43 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Smith 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 Smith County High School is 0.27, 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
#911 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
16%
Black
2%
20%
White
85%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.7%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith County High School's ranking?
Smith County High School is ranked #911 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Smith County High School often compared to?
Smith County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Gordonsville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Smith County High School?
The graduation rate of Smith County High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Smith County High School?
476 students attend Smith County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Smith County High School students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What grades does Smith County High School offer ?
Smith County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smith County High School part of?
Smith County High School is part of Smith County School District.
School Reviews
Review Smith County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
