The natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lakes surround Blount County. Blount County was created out of Knox County in 1795 and was named after Governor William Blount. The county seat, Maryville, was named after his wife, Mary.

Blount County has a growing population of approximately 100,000 residents, which covers 584 square miles. Four major interstate highways are easily accessible: I-140, I-40, I-75 and I-81. Also, in the area are the University of Tennessee, Maryville College and Pellissippi State Technical Community College.

Blount County Schools operates 19 schools: 12 elementary, four middle schools, two comprehensive secondary schools, and one alternative school. The school system consists of approximately 11,800 students. Blount County Schools has received the state Department of Education's Governor's A+ Award for commitment to excellence in education.

A school board consisting of seven elected members and an appointed Director of Schools governs the school system.