For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 815 students in Carthage, TN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Carthage, TN are Defeated Elementary School, Smith County Middle School and Union Heights Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, TN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Tennessee public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 34% statewide average). Middle schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle school average of 39% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle 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.
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: #33.
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 middle schools in Carthage, TN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Carthage, TN include Defeated Elementary School, Smith County Middle School and Union Heights Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Carthage?
3 public middle schools are located in Carthage.
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public middle schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.