Photo: Maureen Didde from Kansas City, MO, USA · CC BY 2.0Carthage’s public schools score below 57% of Missouri districts on tests and graduation
On the state reading tests, 35% of Carthage’s students scored proficient, below the Missouri average (43%). The grade covers the public school district serving Carthage, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Missouri, not nationally.
From Missouri state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Carthage’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% of tested students were proficient in reading and 38% in math, against 43% and 39% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,767 per student, against $14,569 across Missouri (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Carthage JR. High, then Carthage High School. Enrollment is up 9% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Anns School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Carthage’s grade
C+: better than 43% of Missouri school districts, #174 of 247 Missouri towns. Both inputs trail the Missouri average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Carthage, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Carthage
Early Childhood and Pat Center
Grades PK · 116 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Carthage
Carthage Intermediate Center
Grades 4–5 · 664 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Carthage
Carthage Intermediate Center
Grades 4–5 · 664 students · 13:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Carthage
Carthage 6Th Grade Center
Grades 6 · 377 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Carthage
Carthage JR. High
Grades 7–8 · 773 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Carthage
Carthage JR. High
Grades 7–8 · 773 students · 13:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Carthage
Carthage High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,626 students · 18:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Carthage
Carthage High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,626 students · 18:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Carthage
Carthage High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,626 students · 18:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Carthage
Carthage High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,626 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Carthage’s public schools are run by Carthage R-IX School District, which also serves Brooklyn Heights, Carytown and Fidelity. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Carthage vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Missouri towns that share Carthage’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Carthage | C+ | Carthage R-IX |
Every school in Carthage
10 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Missouri’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Carthage Technical CTR.).
Questions about Carthage’s schools
Are Carthage’s schools good?
On Missouri’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Carthage children attend score below 57% of Missouri’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #174 of 247 Missouri towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 41%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Carthage in?
Carthage R-IX School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 5,070 students in 10 schools (2024–25).
Where do Carthage kids go to high school?
Carthage High School, with 1,626 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Carthage’s graduation rate?
89% of the class of 2023 in Carthage R-IX School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri.
How much does Carthage spend per student?
$11,767 in Carthage R-IX School District (FY2024), against $14,569 across Missouri. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Carthage?
Yes: St. Anns School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 67 students).
Parents talk
What Carthage families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Carthage → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Missouri. Stars are from neighbors.