For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,786 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 (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 | 288 students Minority enrollment: 8%
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 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 289 students Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 476 students Minority enrollment: 15%
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 | 268 students Minority enrollment: 14%
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
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