Summary:
Zip code 38501 in Cookeville, Tennessee, is home to 6 elementary schools serving 2,347 students — five within Putnam County Schools and one in Jackson County Schools — with most covering grades PK–4 and Dodson Branch Elementary School spanning PK–8.
Parents seeking the strongest option should start with Capshaw Elementary School, the clear standout. It ranks in the 94th percentile of Tennessee elementary schools, has earned 5 stars for three consecutive years, and leads the zip code in math (79.3%), ELA (73.1%), and science (70.5%) while posting the lowest chronic absenteeism at 6.8%. Northeast Elementary School is the steady performer: 4 stars in every year measured, ranking in the 75th percentile, and improving across all subjects from 2024–25 to 2025–26.
Sycamore Elementary School is the most improved, jumping from the 37th to the 65th percentile and raising its star rating from 2 to 3 stars, with an 18-point ELA gain — though its 19.8% chronic absenteeism is the highest in the group. Dodson Branch Elementary School dropped from the 76th to the 39th percentile, but its middle grades remain strong (8th grade math at 82.1%) while its 3rd grade scores lag badly. Jere Whitson Elementary School and Cane Creek Elementary School need the most support, especially in ELA, where both fall below 40% proficiency.
As a whole, these schools outperform Tennessee state averages in math (60.5% vs. 43.0%), ELA (47.0% vs. 40.6%), and science (50.9% vs. 46.9%). Spending does not predict success — Capshaw and Northeast spend the least while achieving the best results, while Sycamore spends the most. Also notable: 4th grade scores tend to run well ahead of 3rd grade scores across these schools, with Capshaw's 4th grade math proficiency at an exceptional 88.5%.
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