For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,732 students in Carthage, TN.
The top ranked public schools in Carthage, TN are Defeated Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Smith County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, TN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Tennessee public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 37% statewide average). Schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Carthage, TN (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Defeated Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
451 Defeated Creek Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Gr: PK-8 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
149 Skyline Dr
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Gr: PK-4 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Smith County Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
134 Smith County Middle School
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8277
Gr: 5-8 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Smith County High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
312 Fite Ave
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-9219
Gr: 9-12 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Union Heights Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
663 Lebanon Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Gr: PK-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Carthage, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
126 Middle School Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Gr: 9-12
Smith County Vocational Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
135 Gordonsville Hw
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Carthage, TN?
The top ranked public schools in Carthage, TN include Defeated Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Smith County Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Carthage?
5 public schools are located in Carthage.
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Carthage are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carthage include: Smith County Middle School vs. Smith County High School, Defeated Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Union Heights Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.