Best Public Schools in Zip Code 38506

In zip code 38506, the Putnam County Schools district operates eight schools serving elementary, middle, alternative, and adult education students, with no traditional high school in the immediate area. The zip code is anchored by two exceptional elementary schools: Algood Elementary School leads the area in math proficiency (75%) and has the lowest chronic absenteeism (5.1%), while Prescott South Elementary School posts the highest ELA proficiency (63%) and ranks in the 88th percentile statewide. At the middle school level, Algood Middle School stands out for its remarkable Algebra I performance (94.3% proficient among 8th graders) and strong social studies scores, while Prescott South Middle School — the largest school in the zip with 813 students — shows slightly higher overall core proficiency in math, ELA, and science. Both middle schools rank in the 85th–86th percentile statewide.

Not every school matches this high bar. Park View School is the weakest of the regular elementary schools, spending the most per student ($15,140) while scoring lower in math and ELA than its peers, though its science proficiency improved sharply year-over-year. The alternative schools present a striking contrast: Putnam County VITAL School spends just $8,856 per student with better outcomes and an 87.5% graduation rate, while White Plains Academy spends $28,685 per student yet has the lowest proficiency (13.6% math) and the highest chronic absenteeism (39.7%) in the district. The small Putnam County Adult High School serves only 22 students with no test data reported.

Overall, 38506 is a strong area for K–8 education: five of six traditional elementary and middle schools rank at or above the 85th percentile in Tennessee, and chronic absenteeism is below district and state averages at most schools. Year-over-year trends are mostly positive, including notable math gains at Algood Elementary and a big science jump at Park View. Families seeking a traditional high school will need to look outside the zip code, but for elementary and middle grades, this Putnam County area offers several highly rated, well-attended options.