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
Enrollment
292
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
5.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Chilhowee Middle School — Students at Chilhowee Middle School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 41% (2019) to 27.1% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 30% (2019) to 31.4% (2025).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (423) 299-0086
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.