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).
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