For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,422 students in Carter County, TN.
The top ranked public high schools in Carter County, TN are Elizabethton High School, Cloudland High School and Happy Valley High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, TN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Tennessee public high school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Tennessee public high schools.
Carter County, TN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 81%, which is less than the Tennessee average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Elizabethton High School, with 91% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Tennessee or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public high school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Carter County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Elizabethton High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
907 Jason Witten Way
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8015
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8015
Grades: 9-12
| 879 students
Rank: #22.
Cloudland High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
476 Cloudland Dr
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5300
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5300
Grades: 7-12
| 245 students
Rank: #33.
Happy Valley High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
121 Warpath Ln
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4094
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4094
Grades: 9-12
| 450 students
Rank: #44.
Unaka High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
119 Robinson Ln
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4100
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4100
Grades: 9-12
| 309 students
Rank: #55.
Hampton High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
766 1st St
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5200
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5200
Grades: 9-12
| 395 students
Rank: #66.
Carter County Online Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
139 Keenburg Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-2407
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-2407
Grades: 4-12
| 83 students
Rank: n/an/a
Siam Learning Center
Alternative School
139 Keenburg Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4050
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4050
Grades: 5-12
| 61 students
Carter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
416 South Sycamore St
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4084
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4084
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
104 Hudson
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8035
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8035
Grades: PK
| 74 students
139 Keenburg Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4047
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4047
Grades: PK-8
| 212 students
655 Watauga Rd
Watauga, TN 37694
(423) 547-4037
Watauga, TN 37694
(423) 547-4037
Grades: PK-8
| 111 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Carter County, TN?
The top ranked public high schools in Carter County, TN include Elizabethton High School, Cloudland High School and Happy Valley High School.
How many public high schools are located in Carter County?
7 public high schools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public high schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public high schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Carter County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Carter County include: Hampton High School vs. Elizabethton High School, Happy Valley High School vs. Elizabethton High School, Elizabethton High School vs. Hampton High School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.