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Average

#1392 of 1,785 schools in TN

Chilhowee Middle School

Middle School · Polk County

215 Schoolhouse Hill RD, Benton, TN 37307

Enrollment

292

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

5.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Benton

#4 of 4

public schools

Tennessee middle schools

#236 of 338

In district

#6 of 7

Polk County

School environment

8.2 / 10

Very strong

About Chilhowee Middle School

Chilhowee Middle School is a regular public school located in the rural community of Benton, Tennessee. Serving students from sixth through eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 292 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.9:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. With 21 full-time equivalent teachers, Chilhowee Middle School focuses on providing a supportive learning environment.

Academically, the school's MySchoolScout rating is 3.7 out of 10, placing it in the 24th percentile among Tennessee schools, with room for improvement and growth. In standardized testing, 31% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA)/Reading, while 35% meet these standards in Math. Science proficiency stands at 34%, and Social Studies sees a slightly higher percentage of proficient students at 40%.

These scores suggest that Chilhowee Middle School is working diligently to enhance its academic offerings and support systems. Chilhowee Middle School is nestled in a rural setting, offering students a close-knit community atmosphere. The school’s location fosters a strong connection between the school and local families, creating an environment where everyone knows each other and works together for student success.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Chilhowee Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.9Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.05 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.1Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.4%
Math vs. State Avg-12.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-9.4 pts
Overall Proficiency29%
Expected (poverty-adj.)36%
vs. Expected-6.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,761

Chilhowee Middle School — Students at Chilhowee Middle School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 34.7%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 31.1%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
41%
ELA
30%
2021*
Math
36%
ELA
32%
2025
Math
27.1%
ELA
31.4%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.9/10.

How Chilhowee Middle School Compares

See how Chilhowee Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
22th percentile in TN
Academic
5.1/10
5.1/10
Growth
2.9/10
Below average
Environment
8.2/10
Above average

Location

215 Schoolhouse Hill RD, Benton, TN 37307

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Chilhowee Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Charleston Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Charleston), which scores notably higher. Another option is Michigan Avenue Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Cleveland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Polk County High School (rated 7.4/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Benton, see our Benton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Polk Innovative Learning Academy Benton 0.1 mi 5.3
Benton Elementary Benton 0.1 mi 5.2
Polk County High School Benton 2.2 mi 7.4
SHENANDOAH RANCH ACADEMY Calhoun 4.9 mi
South Polk Elementary Ild Fort 7.6 mi 4.8
SHENANDOAH BAPTIST ACADEMY Cleveland 7.4 mi 6.2
Taylor Elementary School Cleveland 8.3 mi 6.7
Calhoun Elementary Calhoun 9.5 mi 6.6
Charleston Elementary School Charleston 9.5 mi 8.3
Walker Valley High School Cleveland 10.1 mi 5.8
Michigan Avenue Elementary School Cleveland 9.5 mi 7.6
LUDIC SPECTRUM CENTER Cleveland 9.7 mi
Park View Elementary School Cleveland 9.7 mi 7.0
Mountain View Elementary Etowah 12.0 mi 5.3
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Riceville 12.7 mi 5.4
Etowah Elementary Etowah 12.3 mi 5.4
Oak Grove Elementary School Cleveland 11.0 mi 4.4
North Lee Elementary School Cleveland 11.0 mi 6.3
Valley View Elementary School Cleveland 12.3 mi 4.6
BOWMAN HILLS SCHOOL Cleveland 11.3 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 37307 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,953

Median Home Value

$187,800

Median Rent

$683/mo

Population

5,340

College Educated

12.2%

Homeownership

82.7%

Avg Commute

29.9 min

Poverty Rate

11%

Median Age

40.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Chilhowee Middle School has a median household income of $74,953. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $187,800, with a median rent of $683/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.0%. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Howard Connect Academy Chattanooga, TN 5.0
Jere Baxter Middle Nashville, TN 5.0
Madison Middle Madison, TN 4.9
Margaret Allen Middle Nashville, TN 5.1
Surgoinsville Middle School Surgoinsville, TN 5.1
Vine Middle/Magnet Knoxville, TN 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Chilhowee Middle School

What grades does Chilhowee Middle School serve?

Chilhowee Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Chilhowee Middle School?

Chilhowee Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 292 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Chilhowee Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Chilhowee Middle School is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Chilhowee Middle School rank in TN?

Chilhowee Middle School is ranked #1392 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Chilhowee Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Chilhowee Middle School has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Chilhowee Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Chilhowee Middle School has 34.7% math proficiency and 31.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Chilhowee Middle School a charter school?

No, Chilhowee Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Chilhowee Middle School a Title I school?

No, Chilhowee Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
Elevated (704/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Benton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
292
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Polk County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Polk County
District Enrollment
2,131
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,066
District Rank
#6 of 7

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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