The top reported proficiency rate is 73% in Science. The lowest is 47% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on W G Rhea Elementary
W G Rhea Elementary serves children from pre-kindergarten through second grade in Paris, Tennessee, the county seat of Henry County. Because it only covers the earliest grades, state testing data on the page is older and comes from a time when upper-elementary students attended this building. The most current numbers reflect a different era of the school and may not describe today's classrooms, so a parent should treat them as background context rather than a current measure of performance. The school is a regular public school within the Paris district.
Academically, W G Rhea is a pre-K through second-grade building, so there is no graduation rate, no high school course access, and no career or dual-credit pathway data to report. That is not a weakness; it reflects the school's grade band. For its very young students, the core work is early literacy and numeracy, along with the social and developmental foundations that come before formal state testing. Parents considering this school will want to ask the school directly about current early-grade instruction, reading intervention programs, and kindergarten readiness supports, since those are the most relevant metrics for this age group.
The student body is diverse in composition. More than half of the enrollment is white, with a substantial Black student population and smaller shares of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. Information on economic disadvantage, special education, and English learner status was not available in the data provided. A parent may want to follow up with the school to understand how it supports students from different backgrounds and what resources are available for children with individualized learning needs.
The school is located in Paris, a small city that functions as the commercial and civic hub of Henry County. The downtown area centers on a traditional courthouse square, and local manufacturing includes brakes, small electric motors, auto parts, metal doors, rubber parts, school laboratory furniture, and ready-to-eat foods. The city also serves as a trade center for the surrounding agricultural county. Eiffel Tower Park, featuring a 70-foot replica tower, offers amenities including an Olympic-sized public pool, soccer fields, walking trails, playgrounds, and a splash pad. The Krider Performing Arts Center is attached to Paris Elementary School and hosts events and summer concerts. Paris is near Kentucky Lake and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, giving families outdoor recreation options within a short drive.
When compared to other districts in Henry County, W G Rhea's older proficiency results placed it at the top of the group. That comparison is based on a very small set of districts, and again the data is from a period when the school served tested grades. It does not provide a current picture of the school's academic standing.
Housing in the area is more affordable than the national average. Home values in the zip code have risen moderately, consistent with broader trends. The local unemployment rate has been stable, near national levels, and median household income in the country sits somewhat below the national figure. For families moving to the area, Paris offers a lower-cost entry point into homeownership compared to many parts of Tennessee.
No recent district-level changes or initiatives were identified in the available research. The Paris district may have strategic priorities, program updates, or facility plans, but that information was not found in the material reviewed here. Families should check with the district office for any current developments that could affect the elementary experience.
W G Rhea is a school for the earliest years of a child's education. It fits a family looking for a neighborhood-based start in a small city with a quiet downtown and access to regional outdoor recreation. A parent interested in this school will want to visit, talk to staff about early literacy and kindergarten readiness approaches, and confirm that the support structures for all learners are in place. The missing data on current offerings and student supports means that direct inquiry with the school is essential to get a full picture.
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