Education

McMinn County Schools welcomes students in Pre-K through 12th grade, with seven elementary schools and two high schools. The district possesses an impressive graduation rate of 93%, ACT average score of 20.2 and has been designated as an Advancing School District. With three-point accessibility, keyboard, touchscreen and stylus, each classroom is able to accommodate teaching and learning styles. The district recognizes higher education programs including CTE (Career Technical Education) Concentrators and CTE dual credit opportunities available with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Athens and Cleveland State Community College. Dual enrollment is offered in a wide range of programs including Mechatronics, Animal Science, Cad/Drafting and Green House.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cherokee National Forest , Etowah City Elementary School District proudly serves students in Pre-K through grade 8 as a single school system, one of the few in Tennessee. The school is devoted to preparing its students for the future with guidance from strong teachers and staff with high expectations, equitable access, exceptional curriculum and specialized programs.

McMinn County has several private schools that serve the region and provide a variety of learning options to families including small class sizes and a balance between academic growth and spiritual growth.

McMinn County has several private schools that serve the region and provide a variety of learning options to families including small class sizes and a balance between academic growth and spiritual growth.

Home to a wide variety of colleges and educational opportunities, McMinn County benefits from academic programs in the center of two major metropolitan areas that engage and excite their students in learning, leading to future careers and becoming part of the community. Take in the benefits of attending one of the well-known educational establishments in Tennessee and receiving a high-quality education while staying close to home. 

McMinn County offers an extensive range of learning programs, including Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens, Cleveland State Community College-Athens Center and Tennessee Wesleyan University. Each campus is student-friendly and implements personalized learning through diversified programs, including Practical Nursing, Engineering Science, Management Programs, Internships, Sport Management and Entrepreneurship.

Located two blocks from the center of Athens lies the esteemed institute, Tennessee Wesleyan University. The university is committed to preparing students for in-demand careers in business, health professions, science and education. With more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs offered, TWU provides learning experiences to help students grow personally and professionally. Numerous programs allow students the opportunity to earn a minor in Entrepreneurship, inviting critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. A variety of internships and summer employment opportunities are offered for students interested in gaining relevant experience.

Tennessee Wesleyan University provides opportunities for students who choose to further their education and advance their career. Extensive graduate programs include Masters Programs in teaching, occupational therapy, business administration and science in nursing. 

Students can step away from their studies on the weekend to cheer on the Bulldogs at one of the various baseball, basketball and soccer games. The campus community is friendly and cohesive, welcoming new students and alumni with Homecoming activities and various events.

Home to a wide variety of colleges and educational opportunities, McMinn County benefits from academic programs in the center of two major metropolitan areas that engage and excite their students in learning, leading to future careers and becoming part of the community. Take in the benefits of attending one of the well-known educational establishments in Tennessee and receiving a high-quality education while staying close to home. 

McMinn County offers an extensive range of learning programs, including Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens, Cleveland State Community College-Athens Center and Tennessee Wesleyan University. Each campus is student-friendly and implements personalized learning through diversified programs, including Practical Nursing, Engineering Science, Management Programs, Internships, Sport Management and Entrepreneurship.

The college experience extends past campus in McMinn County. Gather your friends for a local sporting event or take advantage of the wide variety of outdoor experiences available, including whitewater rafting, hiking, golfing and camping. The list of leisure activities is endless.

Nestled in beautiful Cleveland in Southeast Tennessee on 105 acres of rolling campus, Cleveland State Community College is an accredited public community college. Serving over 3500 credit students and 1500 non-credit students, Cleveland State is guided by a staff where 94 percent hold a master’s degree or higher. The diverse student body has full access to a 400-seat theater, multi-media center, a 3,000-seat gymnasium, a large reflector telescope and teleconference capabilities. The area offers an abundance of outdoor adventures for students to try with friends, including whitewater rafting the Ocoee River.

Home to a wide variety of colleges and educational opportunities, McMinn County benefits from academic programs in the center of two major metropolitan areas that engage and excite their students in learning, leading to future careers and becoming part of the community. Take in the benefits of attending one of the well-known educational establishments in Tennessee and receiving a high-quality education while staying close to home. 

McMinn County offers an extensive range of learning programs, including Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens, Cleveland State Community College-Athens Center and Tennessee Wesleyan University. Each campus is student-friendly and implements personalized learning through diversified programs, including Practical Nursing, Engineering Science, Management Programs, Internships, Sport Management and Entrepreneurship.

The college experience extends past campus in McMinn County. Gather your friends for a local sporting event or take advantage of the wide variety of outdoor experiences available, including whitewater rafting, hiking, golfing and camping. The list of leisure activities is endless.

The vision of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens (TCAT) is to provide convenient access to lifelong education and training, both occupational and technical, for all private adult and corporate citizens. The college works hand-in-hand with business and industry to develop personalized training programs to meet the needs of their employers. With a vision of contributing to the economic and community development, students have the opportunity to acquire or upgrade marketable skills for the labor market at an individualized level.

Denso Manufacturing and Waupaca Foundry are the largest employers in McMinn County. The companies believe in providing strong educational opportunities for Japanese-speaking families. With a growing Asian population, McMinn is anticipating the need for a local school. At this time, students attend the East Tennessee Japanese School a mere 37 miles from McMinn County.