- Putnam Co Adult High School — Grades 9–12 · 22 students
- Cane Creek Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 447 students
- Avery Trace Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 724 students
- Cornerstone Elementary — Grades 2–4 · 378 students
- Capshaw Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 515 students
- Jere Whitson Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 339 students
- Monterey High School — Grades 7–12 · 526 students
- Northeast Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 459 students
- Park View School — Grades PK–4 · 416 students
- Cookeville High School — Grades 9–12 · 2241 students
- Sycamore Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 337 students
- Upperman Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 851 students
- Burks Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 515 students
- Algood Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 718 students
- Upperman High School — Grades 9–12 · 899 students
- T T U Child Development Lab — Grades PK–PK · 20 students
- Algood Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 495 students
- White Plains Academy — Grades K–12 · 76 students
- Prescott South Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 535 students
- Prescott South Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 813 students
- Putnam County VITAL — Grades PK–12 · 123 students
- Baxter Primary — Grades PK–1 · 327 students
- Chilhowee Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 293 students
- Cookeville County High School — Grades 9–12 · 400 students
- Copper Basin Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 321 students
- Copper Basin High School — Grades 7–12 · 231 students
- Cookeville Innovative Learning Academy — Grades K–12 · 147 students
| Metric | Putnam County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,032 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 22 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $9,654/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putnam County School District (this district) | 8/10 | 78th | 12,032 |
| Polk County School District | 2/10 | 18th | 2,148 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in TN → 78th percentile → 8/10.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education TCAP, Overall ELA & Overall Math, Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025–26 school year. Full methodology →
About Putnam County School District
Zip code 38505 in Cookeville, Tennessee is served by Putnam County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Putnam County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Putnam County School District spent $9,654 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 3% below Tennessee’s statewide $10,000 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 860 students, an estimated 91% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 22 schools, Putnam County School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 12,032 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Putnam County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 7/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Tennessee’s TCAP assessments (2025–26 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Tennessee is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Putnam County School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Tennessee. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 38505
Children in zip code 38505 are assigned to Putnam County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 38505, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Putnam County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Tennessee districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Cookeville
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Putnam County School District serves zip code 38505, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 38505. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Tennessee, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Putnam County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 38505.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Putnam County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 38505 data.