Elementary Schools in Putnam County

Putnam County Primary School (grades PK–2) and Putnam County Elementary School (grades 3–5) serve about 1,390 students in Putnam County, a rural Georgia district where every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.

Because of the grade split, only the elementary school has test scores, and they tell a mixed story. The standout is 5th-grade science, where 48.3% of students are proficient—beating the state average of 44.2%. Math is weaker across all grades, with the widest gap in 4th grade (36.5% vs. 50.1% statewide). That 4th-grade math score also dropped 10 points from the prior year, the biggest single change in the data, while 3rd and 5th grade math held steady or improved. The elementary school’s chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at 8.1%—less than half the state rate—yet academic gains haven’t followed, suggesting attendance isn’t the main barrier. The primary school has no test data but posts a higher absenteeism rate (15.6%), still below the state average. Both schools spend generously (over $16,000 per student) and keep class sizes small (about 12:1), which helps offset the challenges of universal economic disadvantage.

For parents, the key takeaway is that Putnam County Elementary School is a solid, stable choice with a clear strength in science and excellent attendance, but math needs attention—especially the 4th-grade dip. English Language Arts scores from the most recent release aren’t available yet, so don’t read anything into that absence. The school has hovered in the 44th–47th percentile statewide for three years, earning a 2-star rating. The primary school is harder to judge academically, but its lower absenteeism relative to peers is a positive sign for early learners. Overall, this district invests heavily in its students, and the science results show what’s possible when instruction clicks.