Below Average
#2016 of 2,216 schools in MO
Carthage High School
High School · CARTHAGE R-IX
2600 SOUTH RIVER, Carthage, MO 64836
Enrollment
1,634
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,634
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Carthage
#8 of 10
public schools
Missouri high schools
#490 of 532
In district
#8 of 10
CARTHAGE R-IX
About Carthage High School
Carthage High School serves 1,634 students in grades 9-12 in Carthage, Missouri, with a student-teacher ratio of 19.2:1 and 85 full-time equivalent teachers. The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks in the 17th percentile among Missouri high schools, indicating significant room for academic growth. Current test scores show 38% of students performing at or above proficient levels in English Language Arts and Reading, while 29% meet proficiency standards in Mathematics.
These results suggest the school is working to strengthen academic outcomes for its large student body. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $51,116 and the median home value is $150,600. About one-quarter of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the area faces economic challenges with a poverty rate of 25.3% among the ZIP code's 25,464 residents.
Despite academic challenges, Carthage High School's substantial enrollment demonstrates its role as a central educational institution for the region. The school is positioned in a town setting on the fringe of an urban area, serving families across Jasper County's mix of suburban and rural communities.
Score Breakdown
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Carthage High School — Students at Carthage High School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MO EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.7/10.
How Carthage High School Compares
See how Carthage High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 33% (2019) to 29% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 49% (2019) to 38% (2022).
Location
2600 SOUTH RIVER, Carthage, MO 64836
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Carthage High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MARK TWAIN ELEM. (rated 8.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CARTHAGE JR. HIGH (rated 7.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CARTHAGE 6TH GRADE CENTER (rated 7.4/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Carthage, see our Carthage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| FAIRVIEW ELEM. Carthage | 0.7 mi | 5.9 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PAT CENTER Carthage | 0.7 mi | 6.8 |
| CARTHAGE JR. HIGH Carthage | 1.2 mi | 7.9 |
| MARK TWAIN ELEM. Carthage | 1.4 mi | 8.8 |
| CARTHAGE 6TH GRADE CENTER Carthage | 2.0 mi | 7.4 |
| COLUMBIAN ELEM. Carthage | 2.1 mi | 3.4 |
| CARTHAGE INTERMEDIATE CENTER Carthage | 2.0 mi | 7.1 |
| STEADLEY ELEM. Carthage | 2.4 mi | 5.5 |
| PLEASANT VALLEY ELEM. Carthage | 4.9 mi | 3.1 |
| CARTERVILLE ELEM. Carterville | 7.8 mi | 6.8 |
| DIAMOND ELEM. Diamond | 10.7 mi | 7.2 |
| DIAMOND MIDDLE Diamond | 10.8 mi | 3.7 |
| DIAMOND HIGH Diamond | 10.8 mi | 5.5 |
| COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Joplin | 9.0 mi | 5.6 |
| BESS TRUMAN PRIMARY CTR. Webb City | 9.2 mi | 5.2 |
| HARRY S. TRUMAN ELEM. Webb City | 9.3 mi | 6.3 |
| WEBSTER PRIMARY CTR. Webb City | 9.1 mi | 4.5 |
| HERITAGE PRESCHOOL Webb City | 9.1 mi | 5.3 |
| MADGE T. JAMES KIND. CTR. Webb City | 9.1 mi | 5.0 |
| SOARING HEIGHTS ELEM. Joplin | 9.8 mi | 4.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 64836 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,775
Median Home Value
$157,700
Median Rent
$883/mo
Population
25,727
College Educated
24%
Homeownership
65.4%
Avg Commute
18.9 min
Poverty Rate
23.7%
Median Age
35.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Carthage High School has a median household income of $58,775. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $157,700, with a median rent of $883/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| RIVERVIEW GARDENS SR. HIGH St. Louis, MO | 4.2 |
| WAYNESVILLE SR. HIGH Waynesville, MO | 4.2 |
| CENTRAL HIGH St. Joseph, MO | 4.0 |
| FORT OSAGE HIGH Independence, MO | 4.0 |
| HILLSBORO HIGH Hillsboro, MO | 4.4 |
| JOPLIN HIGH Joplin, MO | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carthage High School
What grades does Carthage High School serve?
Carthage High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Carthage High School?
Carthage High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,634 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Carthage High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Carthage High School is 19.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Carthage High School rank in MO?
Carthage High School is ranked #2016 out of 2,216 schools in MO.
What is Carthage High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Carthage High School has a composite rating of 4.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Carthage High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Carthage High School has 35.3% math proficiency and 43.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Carthage High School a charter school?
No, Carthage High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Carthage High School a Title I school?
No, Carthage High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carthage High School?
60.3% of students at Carthage High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Carthage). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,634
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 85
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Jasper County
- Phone
- (417) 359-7020
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
CARTHAGE R-IX- District Enrollment
- 5,062
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,082
- District Rank
- #8 of 10
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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