For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,035 students in Carthage, MS (there are 1 private school, serving 94 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Carthage, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MS are Leake Central High School, Leake Central Elementary School and Leake Central Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Carthage, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Leake Central High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
704 N Jordan Street
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-7713
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-7713
Gr: 9-13 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #22.
Leake Central Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
603 Hwy. 16 West
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-9148
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-9148
Gr: PK-5 | 850 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #33.
Leake Central Junior High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
801 Martin Luther King Drive
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8909
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8909
Gr: 6-8 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: n/an/a
Leake Co Career & Technical Center
Vocational School
703 Northwest Street
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8442
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8442
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
107 Braves Boulevard
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8500
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-8500
Gr: K-8 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: n/an/a
538 Highway 487 East
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-9225
Carthage, MS 39051
(601) 267-9225
Gr: K-6 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MS include Leake Central High School, Leake Central Elementary School and Leake Central Junior High School.
How many public schools are located in Carthage?
6 public schools are located in Carthage.
What percentage of students in Carthage go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Carthage are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Carthage are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carthage include: Leake Co Career & Technical Center vs. Leake Central High School, Leake Central High School vs. Leake Co Career & Technical Center
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.