For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public middle schools serving 4,113 students in Putnam County, TN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Putnam County, TN are Dodson Branch Elementary School, Algood Middle School and Prescott South Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Putnam County, TN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Tennessee public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Putnam County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle school average of 39% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Putnam County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dodson Branch Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
16221 Dodson Branch Hwy
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 268-0761
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 268-0761
Gr: PK-8 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Algood Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
540 Dry Valley Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 537-6141
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 537-6141
Gr: 5-8 | 730 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Prescott South Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1859 S. Jefferson St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-3647
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-3647
Gr: 5-8 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Avery Trace Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 Raider Dr
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2200
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2200
Gr: 5-8 | 745 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Upperman Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6700 Nashville Hwy
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-6601
Baxter, TN 38544
(931) 858-6601
Gr: 5-8 | 847 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Monterey High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
710 East Commercial Ave
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2970
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2970
Gr: 7-12 | 544 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #77.
Putnam County Vital
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 E. Spring St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 372-2368
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 372-2368
Gr: PK-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #88.
White Plains Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
288 E. Main St
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-1847
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-1847
Gr: K-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Putnam County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Dry Valley Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
3860 Phifer Mountain Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-1847
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-1847
Gr: 1-12 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
242 East 10th St
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9777
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9777
Gr: 5-6
112 Elm
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2791
Monterey, TN 38574
(931) 839-2791
Gr: PK-6 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Putnam County, TN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Putnam County, TN include Dodson Branch Elementary School, Algood Middle School and Prescott South Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Putnam County?
8 public middle schools are located in Putnam County.
What is the racial composition of students in Putnam County?
Putnam County public middle schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Putnam County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Putnam County include: Upperman Middle School vs. Avery Trace Middle School, Prescott South Middle School vs. Avery Trace Middle School, Algood Middle School vs. Prescott South Middle School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.