For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,287 students in Carthage, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 800 private students). 66% of all K-12 students in Carthage, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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)
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?
66% of all K-12 students in Carthage are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.