- Benton Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 421 students
- South Pall Mall Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 347 students
- Chilhowee Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 293 students
- Pall Mall 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
- Pall Mall Innovative Learning Academy — Grades K–12 · 147 students
| Metric | Fentress County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,270 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 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 | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fentress County School District (this district) | 3/10 | 25th | 2,270 |
| Polk County School District | 2/10 | 18th | 2,148 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in TN → 25th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education TCAP, Overall ELA & Overall Math, Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025–26 school year. Full methodology →
About Fentress County School District
Zip code 38577 in Pall Mall, Tennessee is served by Fentress County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Fentress 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 $10,000 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 6 schools, Fentress County School District operates as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 2,270 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 3/10 Rating
Fentress County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 5/10, 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.
Fentress County School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Tennessee. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 38577
Children in zip code 38577 are assigned to Fentress 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 38577, 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 Fentress 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 Pall Mall
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Fentress County School District serves zip code 38577, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 38577 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 Fentress 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 38577.
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 Fentress County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 38577 data.