For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,287 students in Carthage, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 710 private students). 64% of all K-12 students in Carthage, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, NC are Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Crain's Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carthage, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Carthage have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carthage, NC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2201 Farm Life Rd
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 949-2501
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 949-2501
Gr: K-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Carthage Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
312 Rockingham St
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2781
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2781
Gr: PK-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Crain's Creek Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4631 Union Church Rd
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 245-3796
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 245-3796
Gr: 6-8 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
The Community Learning Center Pinckney
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
160 Pinckney Road
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2603
Carthage, NC 28327
(910) 947-2603
Gr: 6-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carthage, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Carthage, NC include Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, Carthage Elementary School and Crain's Creek Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Carthage?
5 public schools are located in Carthage.
What percentage of students in Carthage go to public school?
64% of all K-12 students in Carthage are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carthage?
Carthage public schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carthage are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carthage include: The Community Learning Center Pinckney vs. Crain's Creek Middle School
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