For the 2025 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 36% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 35%), 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Defeated Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
451 Defeated Creek Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 774-3150
Grades: PK-8
| 260 students
Rank: #22.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
149 Skyline Dr
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-0433
Grades: PK-4
| 424 students
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
Grades: 5-8
| 313 students
Rank: #44.
Union Heights Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
663 Lebanon Hwy
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1975
Grades: PK-8
| 242 students
Carthage, Tennessee Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
126 Middle School Ln
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-8246
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Smith County Vocational Center (Closed 2007)
Vocational School
135 Gordonsville Hw
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Carthage, TN 37030
(615) 735-1264
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
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: Defeated Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Union Heights Elementary School vs. Carthage Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School vs. Defeated Elementary School
Recent Articles
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.
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.