Putnam County Schools & Education
Putnam County, Tennessee
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,824
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#80
of 95 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Putnam County, Tennessee
Putnam County's Expansive Education Hub
Putnam County operates a large-scale school system with 22 public schools serving 12,032 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 3 specialized programs. A single district manages this entire student body, making it one of the larger systems in the region.
Efficient Management of a Large Student Body
Putnam County maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national 87% benchmark. The district operates on a per-pupil expenditure of $5,824, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of $6,215. Despite lean spending, the county keeps its school score of 51.5 above the national median.
The Putnam County Unified District
The Putnam County school district is the sole provider of public education for its 12,032 students. There are no charter schools in the county, so all residents attend the 22 traditional public institutions. This unified structure supports large high schools and specialized alternative education programs.
A Town-Centric Educational Experience
All 22 schools in the county are located in town settings, offering a more suburban and connected feel than neighboring rural areas. Cookeville High School is the largest with 2,199 students, while Upperman High serves a smaller cohort of 903. The average school size is 547, reflecting a more robust campus life and more diverse extracurricular options.
Find a Home in Tennessee's Education Center
With a wide variety of schools to choose from, Putnam County is a top pick for families who want diverse academic programs. Homes in the Cookeville or Algood areas provide easy access to large, well-equipped campuses. The system's high graduation rate and town-based settings are major draws for new residents.
School Overview
Total Schools
22
in Putnam County
Total Enrollment
12,032
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Putnam County
Putnam County
22 Public Schools in Putnam County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookeville High School | Putnam County | 9–12 | High | 2,199 |
| Upperman High School | Putnam County | 9–12 | High | 903 |
| Upperman Middle School | Putnam County | 5–8 | Middle | 853 |
| Prescott South Middle School | Putnam County | 5–8 | Middle | 812 |
| Algood Middle School | Putnam County | 5–8 | Middle | 757 |
| Avery Trace Middle School | Putnam County | 5–8 | Middle | 720 |
| Monterey High School | Putnam County | 7–12 | High | 572 |
| Prescott South Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 558 |
| Burks Elementary | Putnam County | PK–6 | Primary | 522 |
| Capshaw Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 521 |
| Algood Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 521 |
| Park View Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 439 |
| Cane Creek Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 437 |
| Northeast Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 435 |
| Cornerstone Elementary | Putnam County | 2–4 | Primary | 358 |
| Baxter Primary | Putnam County | PK–1 | Primary | 328 |
| Jere Whitson Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 327 |
| Putnam County VITAL | Putnam County | KG–12 | Other | 301 |
| Sycamore Elementary | Putnam County | PK–4 | Primary | 298 |
| White Plains Academy | Putnam County | KG–12 | Alternative | 108 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,824
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Putnam County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Putnam County, Tennessee?
Putnam County operates a large-scale school system with 22 public schools serving 12,032 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 3 specialized programs. A single district manages this entire student body, making it one of the larger systems in the region.
How do schools in Putnam County perform academically?
Putnam County maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national 87% benchmark. The district operates on a per-pupil expenditure of $5,824, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of $6,215. Despite lean spending, the county keeps its school score of 51.5 above the national median.
What are the major school districts in Putnam County, Tennessee?
The Putnam County school district is the sole provider of public education for its 12,032 students. There are no charter schools in the county, so all residents attend the 22 traditional public institutions. This unified structure supports large high schools and specialized alternative education programs.
What is the school experience like in Putnam County?
All 22 schools in the county are located in town settings, offering a more suburban and connected feel than neighboring rural areas. Cookeville High School is the largest with 2,199 students, while Upperman High serves a smaller cohort of 903. The average school size is 547, reflecting a more robust campus life and more diverse extracurricular options.
How can I find homes near good schools in Putnam County, Tennessee?
With a wide variety of schools to choose from, Putnam County is a top pick for families who want diverse academic programs. Homes in the Cookeville or Algood areas provide easy access to large, well-equipped campuses. The system's high graduation rate and town-based settings are major draws for new residents.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.