Land of Life Lessons

The sun rises on another day in picturesque Unicoi County. Whether it’s the weekend or a weekday, the region’s filled with opportunities to harvest new kernels of wisdom. That’s because real, wild living is suited for those with a passion for learning. And we’ve invested in our schools to ensure students can thrive here. You’ll find the lessons learned in our classrooms are just as valuable as the ones learned in our great outdoors.

Top 10 Safest District

15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

4 Elementary Schools

5 Nearby Universities

Raising & Supporting Life-Long Learners

Don’t let the rural setting fool you. Unicoi County is serious about raising crop after crop of life-long learners. We help students grow through our robust K-12 public school system and vocational programs, and our geographical location is perfect for easy access to higher education at nearby colleges and universities. Not to be overlooked, these institutions are perfect for regent graduates or adults at any stage of life who have a passion for learning something new.

Unicoi County Public Schools employ more than 200 teachers and employees who are dedicated to the education of more than 2,300 students enrolled in the county’s public district. Within the system there are four elementary schools, a middle school, a new and modern high school, and a vocational school. Average student enrollment at Unicoi County High School is about 800 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school system also operates a pre-kindergarten program. The school district is ranked as one of the top 10 safest school districts in Tennessee.


The system also supports a vibrant sports program, including a renovated Gentry Stadium for high school football. Learn more about Unicoi County Public Schools and how they’re working to help young minds grow.

Vocational Education is a great resource to help students prepare for a variety of careers. Unicoi County’s Career and Technical Education Center is part of the school system and offers a variety of career-focused programs. Additionally, adults seeking new job schools are encouraged to enroll in courses at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in nearby Elizabethton TN. Programs include foodservice, mechanical, and automotive technologies.

Northeast State Community College is a comprehensive community college in nearby Blountville, Tennessee.  It provides university parallel programs designed for students planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university, and career programs for students planning to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Northeast State also offers programs for continuing education and community service for professional growth and personal enrichment. Check out their website to see how they can help you get to wherever you want to be.

Colleges and Universities abound in the Northeast Tennessee Region. With multiple options for pursuit of a professional career through four-year and post-graduate programs available, choosing to continue studies in the shadow of our mountains is easy. Our colleges and universities range from the 15,000-student East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, to Milligan University near Elizabethton, Tusculum University near Greeneville and King University in Bristol. ETSU is also home to the Quillen College of Medicine and Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. No matter what career dreams you’re pursuing, you’ll find they’re well within reach through the various programs offered at these institutions.

Unicoi County Public Library is conveniently located in downtown Erwin so knowledge is never too far away! The library’s picturesque setting harkens back to the days when Erwin was a “railroad town.” Now, the Unicoi County Public Library offers the opportunity to choose your area of interest for learning or fantasy.

Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute offers a variety of ways to learn outside the classroom, with classes on water safety, outdoor arts, wilderness survival, and more!

As you consider relocating to one of the most beautiful spots on earth, take a deeper look at the towns that make up this community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Unicoi County you’ll find everything from private mountain homes to friendly town communities, so you can find the perfect spot to create your own personal paradise.

When considering a move to Unicoi County you can be assured of a healthy work-life balance. With a variety of opportunities, you’ll find just the right job fit in our region.

From the Nolichucky River and the Appalachian Trail to fun festivals and farming communities, Unicoi County is bursting with opportunities to get outside and learn something new!

So there’s opportunity for a great education and work-life balance, but how does Unicoi County cost of living compare to your current hometown, or others you’re considering?

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