Cookeville HS Recognized As One Of Best By US News & World Report

Cookeville High School named as one of the best high schools nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2023-2024 Best High School Report evaluates over 17,600 schools nationwide. Cookeville High Principal Karen Trentham said that being included in the list is an honor for her and the school. Trentham said that the ranking only came through a combined effort of the faculty, staff, and student body.

“I really feel like although Cookeville High School is a large school, I think that we all work together very well to make it feel smaller for students,” Trentham said. “I think that when the students feel more at home here they’re going to want to do better and be at school.”

Trentham said that she thinks the honor will help parents around Cookeville feel good about sending kids to the high school. Trentham said Cookeville High is always looking to improve and will continue to do so, hopefully ranking on the list next year.

‘We’re always looking to be better than we were the day before,” Trentham said. “Although we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Trentham said Cookeville High makes an active effort to make sure that students are engaged and active in the school.

“I think one of the things for students is making sure they’re all plugged into something that they’re interested in,” Trentham said. “Whether that be sports, or fine arts, or our CTE programs, as well as our academics.”

Trentham said teachers and staff have been attempting to support students by attending after-school events often.