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Needs Improvement

#4547 of 4,739 schools in NY

Carthage Middle School

Middle School · CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

21986 COLE RD, Carthage, NY 13619

Enrollment

930

Student-Teacher

9:1

Score

3.8

Grades

5th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Carthage

#3 of 4

public schools

New York middle schools

#758 of 785

In district

#4 of 5

CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

About Carthage Middle School

Carthage Middle School serves 930 students in grades 5 through 8 in the rural community of Carthage, New York. With 103 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an impressive 9.0:1 student-teacher ratio, providing opportunities for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school is working to strengthen its academic outcomes, with room for growth in both English Language Arts and mathematics.

Currently, 42% of students demonstrate proficiency in ELA/Reading, while 17% achieve proficiency in mathematics across grade levels. These results place the school in the 17th percentile statewide, indicating significant opportunities for academic improvement and student development. The dedicated teaching staff and small class sizes create an environment where educators can focus on meeting individual student needs and building foundational skills.

The lower student-teacher ratio is particularly valuable for middle school students navigating this crucial developmental period. Carthage Middle School draws from a community where the median household income is $61,844 and 22% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The school serves families in Jefferson County's rural landscape, where students experience the benefits of a close-knit educational environment.

Located on Cole Road in this rural area near town, the school provides middle school education in a setting that combines small-town values with accessible community resources.

What Parents Should Know

With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, Carthage Middle School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Located in a rural area, Carthage Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.8Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-5.25 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19%
Reading/ELA Proficiency41%
Math vs. State Avg-23.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.7 pts
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)60%
vs. Expected-29.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,288

Carthage Middle School — Students at Carthage Middle School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 21.7%
School
State
35.9%
ELA Proficiency 40.8%
School
State
54.9%

Based on 12 test records from NY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
43%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
17.4%
ELA
41.6%

* 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: 3.8/10.

How Carthage Middle School Compares

See how Carthage Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.8/10
4th percentile in NY
Academic
3.1/10
3.1/10
Growth
3.8/10
Below average
Environment
4.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
103 teachers

Location

21986 COLE RD, Carthage, NY 13619

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Carthage Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. BLACK RIVER SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Black River), which scores notably higher. Another option is INDIAN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Philadelphia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, AUGUSTINIAN ACADEMY (rated 6.0/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Carthage, see our Carthage schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.7 mi
School Distance Rating
CARTHAGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Carthage 0.1 mi 5.7
WEST CARTHAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Carthage 0.6 mi 4.2
AUGUSTINIAN ACADEMY Carthage 2.0 mi 6.0
CARTHAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Carthage 2.4 mi 3.2
COPENHAGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL Copenhagen 6.7 mi 5.7
CHAMPION PEAK SCHOOL Copenhagen 8.1 mi
BLACK RIVER SCHOOL Black River 7.8 mi 7.5
CRYSTAL LIGHT MENNONITE SCHOOL Castorland 9.4 mi 4.8
INDIAN RIVER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Philadelphia 10.9 mi 4.6
INDIAN RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Philadelphia 11.1 mi 4.7
INDIAN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia 11.3 mi 7.0
RIVER VALLEY MENNONITE SCHOOL Castorland 9.5 mi 3.6
PHILADELPHIA PRIMARY SCHOOL Philadelphia 12.1 mi 4.0
EVANS MILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL Evans Mills 10.5 mi 4.4
MILLCREEK AMISH Lowville 12.6 mi
CALCIUM PRIMARY SCHOOL Calcium 10.8 mi 3.1
ANTWERP PRIMARY SCHOOL Antwerp 14.8 mi 2.9
DEERBROOK SCHOOL Lowville 14.8 mi
BEAVER RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Beaver Falls 12.7 mi 3.9
BEAVER RIVER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Beaver Falls 12.7 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 13619 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,549

Median Home Value

$171,700

Median Rent

$984/mo

Population

10,774

College Educated

19.1%

Homeownership

56.7%

Avg Commute

23.3 min

Poverty Rate

15.8%

Median Age

35

Community Profile

The community surrounding Carthage Middle School has a median household income of $63,549. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $171,700, with a median rent of $984/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.8%. The average commute for residents is 23 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
ALGONQUIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Averill Park, NY 3.8
MEXICO MIDDLE SCHOOL Mexico, NY 3.8
SWEET HOME MIDDLE SCHOOL Amherst, NY 3.8
VERONICA E CONNOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Grand Island, NY 3.8
LANCASTER MIDDLE SCHOOL Lancaster, NY 3.7
SENATOR JAMES H DONOVAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Utica, NY 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carthage Middle School

What grades does Carthage Middle School serve?

Carthage Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Carthage Middle School?

Carthage Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 930 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Carthage Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Carthage Middle School is 9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Carthage Middle School rank in NY?

Carthage Middle School is ranked #4547 out of 4,739 schools in NY.

What is Carthage Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Carthage Middle School has a composite rating of 3.8 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 Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Carthage Middle School has 21.7% math proficiency and 40.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Carthage Middle School a charter school?

No, Carthage Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Carthage Middle School a Title I school?

No, Carthage Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carthage Middle School?

47.4% of students at Carthage Middle 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Low (128/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
930
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
Teachers (FTE)
103
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Jefferson County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
3,127
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,094
District Rank
#4 of 5

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 methodology

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