Schools in Fentress CountyFrom PreK to College
Everything you need to know about education in Fentress County — four elementary schools, two championship high schools, and a brand-new college campus coming to Jamestown.
Two Remarkable
High Schools
Fentress County is served by two genuinely unique high schools — both offering dual enrollment college credit through Roane State at no cost to students.
The only state-operated high school in America — founded by WWI hero Sgt. Alvin C. York. Sits on a 400-acre campus with a working farm, free college credit, JROTC, and 18 TSSAA girls basketball state championships.
268 students, 9:1 student-teacher ratio, and a record that punches well above its weight. Eight state basketball titles, 11 national JROTC championships, and 3 national chess titles.
A brand-new 49,000 sq ft campus on 33 acres in Jamestown — housing Roane State Community College and TCAT Oneida/Huntsville under one roof. Associate degrees, technical certificates, health science, welding, automotive, construction, and manufacturing programs. Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect eligible.
Full Profile →Four Elementary Schools
Serving the County
All four elementary schools are operated by the Fentress County School District and serve PK through 8th grade — making a single school home for students from prekindergarten all the way through middle school.
Located on North York Highway in Jamestown, Pine Haven is one of the county’s larger elementary schools, serving students from the northern Jamestown area.
Situated in central Jamestown near the York Institute campus, York Elementary serves families in the heart of the county seat.
Serving the Allardt community in western Fentress County, home to the Great Pumpkin Festival and the county’s German heritage community.
Serving the southern portion of Fentress County including Grimsley and surrounding communities, South Fentress is the county’s largest elementary school by enrollment.
Fentress County
School District
The Fentress County School District operates four elementary schools and one high school, serving approximately 2,280 students across the county. York Institute is separately operated by the State of Tennessee.
📋 District Facts
District address: 1011 Old Hwy 127 S, Jamestown TN 38556
Phone: (931) 879-9218
Website: fentressboe.com
Grades: PK–12 · 6 schools · ~2,280 students · 15:1 student-teacher ratio · 95%+ graduation rate
🎓 Dual Enrollment — Free College Credit
Both York Institute and Clarkrange High School offer Roane State Community College dual enrollment courses free of charge. Students can earn up to two years of college credit before graduation — a major advantage for families considering Fentress County.
🏆 Athletic Achievement
Together, York Institute (18 championships) and Clarkrange (8 championships) have combined for 26 TSSAA girls basketball state titles — an extraordinary record for a rural county of 18,900 people. Clarkrange also holds 11 national JROTC championships.
📞 Enrollment & Contact
For enrollment questions, boundary information, or to contact a specific school, reach the Fentress County Board of Education at (931) 879-9218 or visit fentressboe.com. For York Institute enrollment, call (931) 879-8101.
What Parents
Should Know
Moving here with kids? A few things that genuinely set Fentress County’s school system apart from what you’ll find in suburban Tennessee.
PK–8 Model
All four elementary schools run from PreK through 8th grade. Your child goes to one school for nine years — building deep community roots and consistent relationships with teachers.
Free College Credits
Both high schools offer Roane State dual enrollment at zero cost. Students regularly graduate having already earned a semester or more of college credit.
Small Class Sizes
With a 15:1 district-wide student-teacher ratio and small school sizes, teachers know every student by name. Clarkrange High School runs at an exceptional 9:1 ratio.
Championship Culture
Sports, JROTC, chess, FFA — Fentress County schools punch well above their weight in competitions at the state and national level. That culture carries into academics too.
York Institute — Unique in America
If you’re in Jamestown, your high schooler may attend the only state-operated high school in the United States — a nationally unique institution with a 400-acre campus and a remarkable history.
College Coming to Town
A $25 million Roane State campus is opening in Jamestown. For families with college-bound kids, having a community college locally is a significant quality-of-life advantage.
Thinking About Moving to Fentress County?
Schools are often the deciding factor for families. Tim & Lori Denehy can answer your questions about school districts, communities, and what daily life looks like here.