- Rutledge Primary — Grades PK–1 · 199 students
- Rutledge Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 363 students
- Grainger High School — Grades 9–12 · 756 students
- Grainger Co Adult High — Grades 9–12 · 10 students
- Grainger Academy — Grades 9–12 · 6 students
- Washburn School — Grades PK–12 · 477 students
- Bean Station Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 437 students
- Joppa Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 404 students
- Rutledge Elementary School — Grades 2–6 · 323 students
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| Metric | Grainger County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,105 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 9 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,900/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grainger County School District (this district) | 4/10 | 34th | 3,105 |
| Metro Nashville Public Schools | 3/10 | 25th | 86,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in TN → 34th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education TCAP, Overall ELA & Overall Math, Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025–26 school year. Full methodology →
About Grainger County School District
Zip code 37861 in Grainger, Tennessee is served by Grainger County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 9th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Grainger County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Tennessee spend approximately $10,900 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), below the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
Grainger County School District is a mid-sized district with 9 schools serving students from Pre-K – 9th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Grainger County School District 4 out of 10 — below average among Tennessee public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Tennessee’s TCAP assessments (2025–26 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Tennessee is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Grainger County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Tennessee benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 37861
Children in zip code 37861 are assigned to Grainger County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 9th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 37861, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Grainger County School District at (865)828-3611 or visit www.grainger.k12.tn.us. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Tennessee districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Grainger
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Grainger County School District serves zip code 37861, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 37861. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Tennessee, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Grainger County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 37861.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Grainger County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 37861 data.