Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1706 of 1,786 schools in TN

Polk Innovative Learning Academy

School · Polk County

131 Stephens ST, Benton, TN 37307

Virtual

Enrollment

97

Student-Teacher

6.9:1

Score

3.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Tennessee schools

#1,706 of 1,786

In Benton

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#7 of 7

Polk County

School environment

9.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Polk Innovative Learning Academy?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Polk Innovative Learning Academy

3.5/10

School in Benton · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chilhowee Middle School

7.5/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Benton Elementary

6.6/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Polk Innovative Learning Academy

Polk Innovative Learning Academy is a public school in Benton, TN, part of Polk County. Polk Innovative Learning Academy serves approximately 97 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 6.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Polk Innovative Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,706 of 1,786 schools in TN.

Structured state assessment records for Polk Innovative Learning Academy show 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).

How it compares3.2 pts below district
  • This school 3.5 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 6.7
  • TN avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 97 students, Polk Innovative Learning Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 6.9:1 students to teachers, Polk Innovative Learning Academy sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Polk Innovative Learning Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-3.45 pts/yr
Data Period2020–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.5% (2025 TCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency14% (2025 TCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-31.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-26.8 pts
Overall Proficiency11% (2025 TCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2025 TCAP)
vs. Expected-25.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile4th
College Readiness2.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio6.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,066

Polk Innovative Learning Academy — Students at Polk Innovative Learning Academy score 11% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 14.1% (multi-year average, 2020-2025)
School
State
39.2% (2025 TCAP)
ELA Proficiency 35.8% (multi-year average, 2020-2025)
School
State
40.8% (2025 TCAP)

Based on 10 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2020*
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
75%
2025
Math
7.5%
ELA
14%

* 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: 1.6/10.

How Polk Innovative Learning Academy Compares

See how Polk Innovative Learning Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.5/10
5th percentile in TN
Academic
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.2/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

131 Stephens ST, Benton, TN 37307

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Polk Innovative Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Park View Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Cleveland), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Lee Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Cleveland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Michigan Avenue Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Cleveland), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Benton, see our Benton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Chilhowee Middle School Benton 0.1 mi 7.5
Benton Elementary Benton 0.2 mi 6.6
Polk County High School Benton 2.3 mi 6.8
SHENANDOAH RANCH ACADEMY Calhoun 4.8 mi
South Polk Elementary Ild Fort 7.6 mi 7.2
SHENANDOAH BAPTIST ACADEMY Cleveland 7.3 mi 6.2
Taylor Elementary School Cleveland 8.3 mi 6.8
Calhoun Elementary Calhoun 9.4 mi 6.9
Charleston Elementary School Charleston 9.4 mi 7.4
Walker Valley High School Cleveland 10.0 mi 6.2
Michigan Avenue Elementary School Cleveland 9.4 mi 8.0
LUDIC SPECTRUM CENTER Cleveland 9.7 mi
Park View Elementary School Cleveland 9.7 mi 8.2
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Riceville 12.7 mi 5.4
Mountain View Elementary Etowah 12.0 mi 6.0
Etowah Elementary Etowah 12.3 mi 7.4
North Lee Elementary School Cleveland 10.9 mi 8.1
Oak Grove Elementary School Cleveland 10.9 mi 6.2
Valley View Elementary School Cleveland 12.2 mi 6.8
BOWMAN HILLS SCHOOL Cleveland 11.2 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Special Services Dickson, TN 3.6
Cora Howe School Nashville, TN 3.7
Holladay Elementary Holladay, TN 4.0
Hawkins County Virtual Academy Rogersville, TN 2.8
Putnam County VITAL Cookeville, TN 4.3
R T Fisher Alternative Gallatin, TN 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Polk Innovative Learning Academy

What grades does Polk Innovative Learning Academy serve?

Polk Innovative Learning Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Polk Innovative Learning Academy?

Polk Innovative Learning Academy has an enrollment of approximately 97 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Polk Innovative Learning Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Polk Innovative Learning Academy is 6.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Polk Innovative Learning Academy rank in TN?

Polk Innovative Learning Academy ranks #1,706 of 1,786 schools in TN.

What is Polk Innovative Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Polk Innovative Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Polk Innovative Learning Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Polk Innovative Learning Academy has 14% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).

Is Polk Innovative Learning Academy a charter school?

No, Polk Innovative Learning Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Polk Innovative Learning Academy a Title I school?

No, Polk Innovative Learning Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
29 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
19 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
97
Student-Teacher Ratio
6.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Polk County

District

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

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related 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.