The top reported proficiency rate is 46% in Math. The lowest is 37% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Cecil B Rigsby Elementary
Cecil B Rigsby Elementary is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Pikeville, the county seat of Bledsoe County. The school sits within a single-district county, so comparisons to neighboring districts aren’t possible; the whole county is one system. That rural, small-town context shapes the feel of the place.
On the 2024-25 Tennessee state assessments, student proficiency rates were modest. In math, just under half of tested students scored at the proficient or advanced level. In English language arts, the share was lower, about one in three. Science performance fell in a similar range, with roughly two in five students meeting the state standard. A social studies result from several years ago exists, but the assessment has changed since then, making that data unreliable for gauging current performance. Participation on test day was essentially complete, which means the results reflect nearly the whole tested student body.
Because this is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate or secondary course data to report. The school has not made available information about the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are identified as English learners. A family considering the school may want to ask the principal directly about support services for students who need extra help.
The student body is relatively small. In racial and ethnic composition, the large majority of students are White, and a notable share are Hispanic. The Black student population is very small, and there are no Asian or Native American students enrolled. That demographic picture is typical for this part of rural southeastern Tennessee.
Pikeville itself is a compact county seat in the Sequatchie Valley. Its downtown is organized around a traditional courthouse square with a Main Street business district, and a newer commercial strip has developed along a western bypass. The Sequatchie River runs through the eastern part of town. Civic anchors include the Museum of Bledsoe County History and a former rural school that now serves as a community center. Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of Tennessee’s largest, lies a short drive to the west. The city runs its own gas, sewer, and water utilities, underscoring its role as a full-service small town. Population growth has been modest in recent years.
Home values in the area are below the statewide typical, and the local economy appears centered on government, schools, and small-town services. No major recent changes at the district level were found in publicly available sources, suggesting a stable administrative environment.
This school fits a family looking for a small elementary setting in a rural community where the pace of growth is slow and the surroundings are quiet. The academic proficiency rates are a key consideration: they sit below state benchmarks, which is common in many rural Tennessee districts. A parent may want to explore what the school is doing to improve those results and how it supports students who are not yet meeting standards. For those who value a small-town, county-seat environment with access to outdoor recreation and a close-knit feel, Cecil B Rigsby Elementary offers that in a straightforward, no-frills package.
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