For the 2025 school year, there are 23 public schools serving 12,039 students in Putnam County, TN (there are 9 private schools, serving 565 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Putnam County, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Putnam County, TN are Capshaw Elementary School, Algood Elementary School and Prescott South Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Putnam County, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Putnam County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Putnam County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Capshaw Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1 Cougar Ln
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2414
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2414
Grades: PK-4
| 522 students
Rank: #22.
Algood Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2525 Old Walton Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 303-0362
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 303-0362
Grades: PK-4
| 507 students
Rank: #33.
Prescott South Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
115 W. Cemetery Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 526-2275
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 526-2275
Grades: PK-4
| 545 students
Rank: #44.
Dodson Branch Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
16221 Dodson Branch Hwy
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 268-0761
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 268-0761
Grades: PK-8
| 277 students
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Cane Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1500 West Jackson St
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-1173
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-1173
Grades: PK-4
| 432 students
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
575 N Old Kentucky Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2978
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2978
Grades: PK-4
| 453 students
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Park View Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
545 Scott Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2516
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2516
Grades: PK-4
| 422 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Algood Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
540 Dry Valley Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 537-6141
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 537-6141
Grades: 5-8
| 730 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Cornerstone Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
371 First Avenue South
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-9190
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-9190
Grades: 2-4
| 367 students
Rank: #1010.
Prescott South Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1859 S. Jefferson St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-3647
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-3647
Grades: 5-8
| 766 students
Rank: #1111.
Cookeville High School
Magnet School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1 Cavalier Dr
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2287
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2287
Grades: 9-12
| 2,202 students
Rank: #1212.
Avery Trace Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 Raider Dr
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2200
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2200
Grades: 5-8
| 745 students
Rank: #1313.
Burks Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 Crossville St
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-7641
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-7641
Grades: PK-6
| 530 students
Rank: #1414.
Sycamore Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
452 Ellis Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9322
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9322
Grades: PK-4
| 310 students
Rank: #1515.
Upperman Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6700 Nashville Hwy
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-6601
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-6601
Grades: 5-8
| 847 students
Rank: #1616.
Jere Whitson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
178 East Jere Whitson Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-6575
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-6575
Grades: PK-4
| 317 students
Rank: #1717.
Upperman High School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6950 Nashville Hwy
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-3112
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-3112
Grades: 9-12
| 918 students
Rank: #1818.
Monterey High School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
710 East Commercial Ave
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2970
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2970
Grades: 7-12
| 544 students
Rank: #1919.
Putnam County Vital
(Math: 15% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 E. Spring St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 372-2368
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 372-2368
Grades: PK-12
| 106 students
Rank: #2020.
White Plains Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
288 E. Main St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-1847
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-1847
Grades: K-12
| 98 students
Rank: n/an/a
125 Elmore Town Road
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-3110
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-3110
Grades: PK-1
| 352 students
Rank: n/an/a
268 East Main St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-8685
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-8685
Grades: 9-12
| 29 students
Rank: n/an/a
720 Quadrangle
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-6262
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-6262
Grades: PK
| 20 students
Putnam County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Dry Valley Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
3860 Phifer Mountain Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-1847
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-1847
Grades: 1-12
| 88 students
242 East 10th St
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9777
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9777
Grades: 5-6
| n/a students
112 Elm
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2791
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2791
Grades: PK-6
| 294 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Putnam County, TN?
The top ranked public schools in Putnam County, TN include Capshaw Elementary School, Algood Elementary School and Prescott South Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Putnam County?
23 public schools are located in Putnam County.
What percentage of students in Putnam County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Putnam County are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Putnam County?
Putnam County public schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Putnam County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Putnam County include: Upperman High School vs. Cookeville High School, Upperman Middle School vs. Avery Trace Middle School, White Plains Academy vs. Cookeville High School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
