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
Enrollment
930
Student-Teacher
9:1
Score
3.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Carthage Middle School — Students at Carthage Middle School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
47.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 12 test records from NY 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: 3.8/10.
How Carthage Middle School Compares
See how Carthage Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 43% (2019) to 19% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 41% (2021).
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.
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
- Phone
- (315) 493-5020
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
CARTHAGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 3,127
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,094
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
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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- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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