For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,680 students in 38501, TN (there are 3 private schools, serving 409 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 38501, TN are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in 38501, TN are Capshaw Elementary School, Dodson Branch Elementary School and Cane Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 38501 have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in 38501, TN have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 38501, TN Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Capshaw Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1 Cougar Ln
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2414
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2414
Gr: PK-4 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
Cane Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1500 West Jackson St
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-1173
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-1173
Gr: PK-4 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
575 N Old Kentucky Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2978
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2978
Gr: PK-4 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
Cookeville High School
Magnet School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1 Cavalier Dr
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2287
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 520-2287
Gr: 9-12 | 2,202 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #77.
Park View Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
545 Scott Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2516
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2516
Gr: PK-4 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #88.
Sycamore Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
452 Ellis Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9322
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-9322
Gr: PK-4 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #99.
Jere Whitson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
178 East Jere Whitson Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-6575
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-6575
Gr: PK-4 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
38501, Tennessee 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 38501, TN?
The top ranked public schools in 38501, TN include Capshaw Elementary School, Dodson Branch Elementary School and Cane Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 38501?
9 public schools are located in 38501.
What percentage of students in 38501 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 38501 are educated in public schools (compared to the TN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 38501?
38501 public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.