For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,308 students in Carthage, NC (there are , serving 617 private students). 68% of all K-12 students in Carthage, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Carthage, NC are Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Crain's Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carthage, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2201 Farm Life Rd
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 949-2501
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 949-2501
Grades: K-5
| 378 students
Rank: #22.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
312 Rockingham St
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2781
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2781
Grades: PK-5
| 358 students
Rank: #33.
Crain's Creek Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4631 Union Church Rd
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 245-3796
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 245-3796
Grades: 6-8
| 496 students
Rank: #44.
The Community Learning Center Pinckney
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
160 Pinckney Road
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2603
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2603
Grades: 6-12
| 76 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Carthage, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Carthage, NC include Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Crain's Creek Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Carthage?
4 public schools are located in Carthage.
What percentage of students in Carthage go to public school?
68% of all K-12 students in Carthage are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Understanding Self-Contained Classrooms in Public Schools
Learn about the history of public schools incorporating self-contained classrooms, and whether they are right for your child.

Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.

Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.