Best Public Schools in Carthage, MO

The city of Carthage, Missouri is home to 10 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The schools in this area serve a diverse student population and demonstrate a range of academic performance, with some standout institutions like Pleasant Valley Elementary and Steadley Elementary consistently ranking among the top in the state, while others like Columbian Elementary and Fairview Elementary struggle to meet proficiency standards.

At the middle school level, Carthage Junior High stands out with relatively high proficiency rates in core subjects, while the Carthage 6th Grade Center lags behind. At the high school, Carthage High School has a strong 91.8% graduation rate, but its performance on state assessments is below the district and state averages in several subjects, suggesting room for improvement.

Across the Carthage R-Ix district, chronic absenteeism is a consistent challenge, with all schools reporting a 15.1% rate. Additionally, there are indications of potential equity concerns, as the schools with the highest percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch tend to have lower test scores and performance metrics. By closely examining these trends and identifying the district's strengths and weaknesses, Carthage can work to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.