Dorothy and Noble Harrelson School

Dorothy And Noble Harrelson School serves 432 students in Puryear, Tennessee, spanning prekindergarten through eighth grade. It earns a composite score of 9.1 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — backed by an academic score of 8.9 and a growth score of 9.3. With a student-teacher ratio of 11.7 to 1, students receive consistent, individualized attention from the earliest grades through the end of middle school.

Those numbers put Harrelson in rare company statewide. It ranks #1 of 6 schools in Henry County and outperforms 98% of all Tennessee public schools — a position that reflects sustained performance across multiple metrics, not a single standout category. The growth score (9.3) edges past the academic score (8.9), signaling that students here advance at a faster rate than their current achievement level would predict.

For families looking beyond a single test snapshot, that trajectory matters. Harrelson's profile is difficult to replicate in a rural district setting. High attainment, above-average growth, and a low student-teacher ratio across a full pre-K through eighth-grade span make it a strong option for families who want to stay in one school through middle school without sacrificing academic quality.

Located in a rural area, Dorothy and Noble Harrelson School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.