- Hardin County High School — Grades 9–12 · 951 students
- Hardin County Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 643 students
- Parris South Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 389 students
- Pickwick Southside School — Grades PK–8 · 223 students
- West Hardin Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 205 students
- Northside Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 483 students
- East Hardin Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 400 students
- Chilhowee Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 293 students
- Morris Chapel 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
- Morris Chapel Innovative Learning Academy — Grades K–12 · 147 students
| Metric | Hardin County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Hardin County School District
Zip code 38361 in Morris Chapel, Tennessee is served by Hardin County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Hardin 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
Hardin County School District reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $10,000 per year, placing it near the Tennessee state average of approximately $10,000 and below the national average nationally (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 7 schools, Hardin County School District operates as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 3,370 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
Hardin County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below 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 the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. 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.
Hardin 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 38361
Children in zip code 38361 are assigned to Hardin 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 38361, 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 Hardin 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 Morris Chapel
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Hardin County School District serves zip code 38361, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 38361. 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 Hardin 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 38361.
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 Hardin County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 38361 data.