For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,239 students in Carthage, TN.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 36% statewide average). Elementary schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Carthage, TN (2026)
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.
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 elementary schools in Carthage, TN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carthage, TN include Defeated Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Smith County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Carthage?
4 public elementary schools are located in Carthage.
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Carthage are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Carthage include: Union Heights Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Defeated Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School vs. Union Heights Elementary School
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