- Bridgeforth Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 316 students
- Elkton Elementary — Grades PK–8 · 263 students
- Giles Co High School — Grades 9–12 · 688 students
- Minor Hill School — Grades PK–8 · 307 students
- Pulaski Elementary — Grades PK–2 · 471 students
- Richland Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 520 students
- Richland School — Grades 6–12 · 633 students
- Southside Elementary — Grades 3–5 · 397 students
- Chilhowee Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 293 students
- Pulaski County High School — Grades 9–12 · 400 students
- Copper Basin Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 321 students
- Copper Basin High School — Grades 7–12 · 231 students
- Pulaski Innovative Learning Academy — Grades K–12 · 147 students
| Metric | Giles County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,670 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,000/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giles County School District (this district) | 4/10 | 36th | 3,670 |
| Polk County School District | 2/10 | 18th | 2,148 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in TN → 36th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education TCAP, Overall ELA & Overall Math, Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025–26 school year. Full methodology →
About Giles County School District
Families in zip code 38478 (Pulaski, Tennessee) are assigned to Giles County School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Tennessee spend approximately $10,000 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
With 8 schools, Giles County School District operates as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 3,670 students in total. 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
Giles County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 6/10, placing it in the average tier. 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.
Giles County School District falls near the middle of Tennessee on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 38478
Children in zip code 38478 are assigned to Giles County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 38478, 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 Giles County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Pulaski
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Giles County School District serves zip code 38478, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 38478 and neighboring areas. 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 Giles 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 38478.
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 Giles County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 38478 data.