Summary:
Zip code 38544 (Baxter, Tennessee) is home to two elementary schools serving a combined 705 students across grades PK–4 within the Putnam County Schools district: Cornerstone Elementary School (grades 2–4, 378 students) and Baxter Primary School (grades PK–1, 327 students). Because the two schools cover different grade spans, they function as a natural pipeline—children start at Baxter Primary and move to Cornerstone for the upper elementary grades. The district itself is ranked 56th out of 141 Tennessee districts (60th percentile, 3 stars), placing it solidly above average.
Cornerstone Elementary School is the standout academic performer in this pair, and it is also the only school with test data, since Baxter Primary School's PK–1 grades do not participate in state assessments. Cornerstone has improved dramatically, rising from the 51st percentile (497th) in 2023–2024 to the 82nd percentile (179th) in 2025–2026—a 318-place jump that earned it a 4-star rating. Its math proficiency is exceptional at 67.6%, nearly 25 points above the state average, with 4th grade math hitting 70%. ELA (55.3%) and science (55.1%) also beat state averages, though 4th grade ELA and science trail the district average, suggesting an area to watch. Both schools post low chronic absenteeism (11.3% at Cornerstone, 14.1% at Baxter) versus 17.3% for the district, supporting a positive learning environment.
Baxter Primary School stands out for its higher investment per student: $16,234 versus $13,480 at Cornerstone, a 20% difference typical of early-childhood programs that require more staff and specialized resources. While Baxter has no test scores to evaluate, its lower absenteeism and strong spending suggest a solid foundation for students entering Cornerstone. Missing data—including free/reduced lunch rates and student-teacher ratios—limits full context, but for parents, the picture is clear: this zip code offers an above-average, well-funded elementary experience anchored by a rapidly improving, high-performing Cornerstone school.
Thank you for your feedback!