Best Carthage Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 5,070 students in Carthage, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 71 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Carthage, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MO are Steadley Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School and Carthage 6th Grade Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Carthage, MO (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Steadley Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1814 W Fir Rd
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7065
Gr: K-3 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Mark Twain Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1435 S Main
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7080
Gr: K-3 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Carthage 6th Grade Center
(Math: 51% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
714 S Main
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7016
Gr: 6 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #44.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1201 E Fairview
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7070
Gr: K-3 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
652 County Rd 180
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7085
Gr: PK-3 | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #66.
Carthage Jr. High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
827 E. Centennial
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7050
Gr: 7-8 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #77.
Carthage Intermediate Center
(Math: 38% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2851 S. Chapel
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7246
Gr: 4-5 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
Carthage High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 South River
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7020
Gr: 9-12 | 1,626 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #99.
Columbian Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1015 W Macon
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7060
Gr: K-3 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
Carthage Technical Center
Vocational School
1100 E. Airport Drive
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-7026
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
625 E. Fairview
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 758-0898
Gr: PK | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, MO include Steadley Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School and Carthage 6th Grade Center.
How many public schools are located in Carthage?
11 public schools are located in Carthage.
What percentage of students in Carthage go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Carthage are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Carthage are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
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?
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
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.