For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,778 students in Carter County, TN.
The top ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN are Valley Forge Elementary School, East Side Elementary School and Cloudland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, TN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschool average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Carter County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Valley Forge Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1485 Riverview Dr
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4085
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4085
Gr: PK-5 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
East Side Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
800 Siam Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8010
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8010
Gr: PK-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Cloudland Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8540 Highway 19 East
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5310
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5310
Gr: PK-6 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
408 Hwy 321
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5220
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5220
Gr: PK-8 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Unaka Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
120 Unaka Dr
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4110
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4110
Gr: PK-8 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Carter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
416 South Sycamore St
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4084
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4084
104 Hudson
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8035
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8035
Gr: PK | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
139 Keenburg Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4047
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4047
Gr: PK-8 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
655 Watauga Rd
Watauga, TN 37694
(423) 547-4037
Watauga, TN 37694
(423) 547-4037
Gr: PK-8 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN?
The top ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN include Valley Forge Elementary School, East Side Elementary School and Cloudland Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Carter County?
5 public preschools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public preschools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschools average of 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.