For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,778 students in Carter County, TN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN are Valley Forge Elementary School, East Side Elementary School and Cloudland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, TN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Tennessee public pre school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 36% statewide average). Pre schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschool average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Carter County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Valley Forge Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1485 Riverview Dr
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4085
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-4085
Gr: PK-5 | 186 students Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
East Side Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
800 Siam Rd
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8010
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-8010
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Cloudland Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8540 Highway 19 East
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5310
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
(423) 772-5310
Gr: PK-6 | 262 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
408 Hwy 321
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5220
Hampton, TN 37658
(423) 725-5220
Gr: PK-8 | 662 students Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Unaka Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
120 Unaka Dr
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4110
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 474-4110
Gr: PK-8 | 194 students Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Carter County, TN include Valley Forge Elementary School, East Side Elementary School and Cloudland Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Carter County?
5 public preschools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public preschools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Tennessee public preschools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.