Very Good
#668 of 1,785 schools in TN
Top 37% in state
Union Heights Elementary
Elementary School · Smith County
663 Lebanon HWY, Carthage, TN 37030
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
7.0
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
7.0
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Carthage
#3 of 5
public schools
Tennessee elementary schools
#464 of 1,002
In district
#4 of 9
Smith County
Academic growth
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About Union Heights Elementary
Union Heights Elementary is a regular public school located in Carthage, Tennessee, within Smith County. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 242 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1, the school provides personalized attention to each child.
Union Heights Elementary employs 17 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students' educational needs. Academically, the school's MySchoolScout Rating is 5.6 out of 10, placing it in the 53rd percentile among Tennessee schools. In terms of proficiency rates across various subjects, Union Heights Elementary has 47% of its students proficient or above in science, with lower percentages in ELA/Reading (30%), Math (31%), and Social Studies (30%).
While these scores indicate room for improvement, the school is focused on enhancing student development and academic growth. Union Heights Elementary is situated in a rural area, providing a close-knit community environment where students can thrive. The school's location offers a unique setting that fosters a strong sense of connection between families and educators, contributing to a supportive learning atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Union Heights Elementary 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
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Union Heights Elementary — Students at Union Heights Elementary score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.7/10.
How Union Heights Elementary Compares
See how Union Heights Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 39.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 37% (2025).
Location
663 Lebanon HWY, Carthage, TN 37030
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Union Heights Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Defeated Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 9.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tuckers Crossroads Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Lebanon), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Gordonsville Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Gordonsville), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Carthage, see our Carthage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| New Middleton Elementary Gordonsville | 6.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Smith County High School Carthage | 6.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Smith County Middle School Carthage | 6.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Carthage Elementary Carthage | 6.6 mi | 4.5 |
| Tuckers Crossroads Elementary Lebanon | 7.9 mi | 8.6 |
| Trousdale Co Elementary Hartsville | 9.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Gordonsville Elementary School Gordonsville | 9.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Gordonsville High School Gordonsville | 9.5 mi | 3.8 |
| Defeated Elementary Carthage | 9.7 mi | 9.0 |
| Jim Satterfield Middle School Hartsville | 10.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Watertown High School Watertown | 12.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Watertown Middle School Watertown | 12.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Trousdale Co High School Hartsville | 11.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Watertown Elementary Watertown | 12.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Forks River Elementary Elmwood | 11.0 mi | 3.6 |
| Carroll Oakland Elementary Lebanon | 12.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Sam Houston Elementary Lebanon | 13.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Walter J. Baird Middle School Lebanon | 13.6 mi | 3.7 |
| Coles Ferry Elementary Lebanon | 13.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Macon County Junior High School Lafayette | 16.6 mi | 3.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 37030 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,510
Median Home Value
$226,000
Median Rent
$918/mo
Population
7,889
College Educated
19.7%
Homeownership
71.2%
Avg Commute
31.8 min
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Union Heights Elementary has a median household income of $57,510. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $226,000, with a median rent of $918/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.8%. The average commute for residents is 32 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 |
|---|---|
| Dyllis Springs Elementary Oliver Springs, TN | 7.0 |
| Hawkins Elementary Rogersville, TN | 7.0 |
| Holston View Elementary Bristol, TN | 7.0 |
| TATES SCHOOL Knoxville, TN | 7.0 |
| Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Kingsport, TN | 7.0 |
| Walland Elementary School Walland, TN | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union Heights Elementary
What grades does Union Heights Elementary serve?
Union Heights Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Union Heights Elementary?
Union Heights Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 242 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Union Heights Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Union Heights Elementary is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Union Heights Elementary rank in TN?
Union Heights Elementary is ranked #668 out of 1,785 schools in TN.
What is Union Heights Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Union Heights Elementary has a composite rating of 7.0 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 Union Heights Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Union Heights Elementary has 31.2% math proficiency and 30.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Union Heights Elementary a charter school?
No, Union Heights Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Union Heights Elementary a Title I school?
No, Union Heights Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 242
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Smith County
- Phone
- (615) 735-1975
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Smith County- District Enrollment
- 3,033
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,329
- District Rank
- #4 of 9
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
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