Carter County Schools & Education
Carter County, Tennessee
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,716
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#72
of 95 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Carter County
School Verdict
Carter County faces educational challenges with a school score of 38/100 and a graduation rate of 89.3%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,716 per pupil, Carter County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Carter County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 18% below the Tennessee average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 8% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Carter County, Tennessee
Serving Thousands Across Two Major Districts
Carter County supports 7,502 students across 21 public schools, including 12 elementary and six high schools. Two main districts manage this network, which features an average school size of 357 students.
Investment and Results in East Tennessee
With an 89.3% graduation rate, the county exceeds national benchmarks but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,716, which is higher than the state average but well below the national median of $13,000.
Spotlight on Carter County and Elizabethton
The Carter County district is the largest provider, serving 4,764 students across 16 schools. The Elizabethton district manages another five schools, including the county’s largest campus, Elizabethton High School, with 863 students.
A Suburb-Heavy Educational Landscape
Most schools in the county are located in suburban areas, providing a blend of neighborhood accessibility and larger student populations. The landscape ranges from Elizabethton High to smaller rural campuses, catering to various family preferences.
Relocate Near High-Performing Suburban Schools
The diverse mix of suburban and rural schools makes Carter County a flexible choice for homebuyers. Exploring properties near Elizabethton or Hampton allows families to find the right educational fit for their children.
School Overview
Total Schools
21
in Carter County
Total Enrollment
7,502
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Carter County
Carter County
Elizabethton
21 Public Schools in Carter County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethton High School | Elizabethton | 9–12 | High | 863 |
| T A Dugger Junior High School | Elizabethton | 6–8 | Middle | 633 |
| Hampton Elementary | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 548 |
| Happy Valley Elementary | Carter County | PK–4 | Primary | 529 |
| East Side Elementary | Elizabethton | PK–5 | Primary | 491 |
| Happy Valley High School | Carter County | 9–12 | High | 446 |
| Hampton High School | Carter County | 9–12 | High | 439 |
| Hunter Elementary | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 433 |
| Harold McCormick Elementary | Elizabethton | KG–5 | Primary | 380 |
| West Side Elementary | Elizabethton | KG–5 | Primary | 371 |
| Happy Valley Middle School | Carter County | 5–8 | Middle | 369 |
| Unaka High School | Carter County | 9–12 | High | 315 |
| Central Elementary | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 286 |
| Cloudland Elementary School | Carter County | PK–6 | Primary | 269 |
| Cloudland High School | Carter County | 7–12 | High | 248 |
| Keenburg Elementary | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 212 |
| Unaka Elementary | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 210 |
| Valley Forge Elementary | Carter County | PK–5 | Primary | 202 |
| Little Milligan | Carter County | PK–8 | Primary | 119 |
| Carter County Online Academy | Carter County | 4–12 | Other | 99 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,716
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Carter County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Carter County?
How much does Carter County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Carter County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Carter County, Tennessee?
Carter County supports 7,502 students across 21 public schools, including 12 elementary and six high schools. Two main districts manage this network, which features an average school size of 357 students.
How do schools in Carter County perform academically?
With an 89.3% graduation rate, the county exceeds national benchmarks but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,716, which is higher than the state average but well below the national median of $13,000.
What are the major school districts in Carter County, Tennessee?
The Carter County district is the largest provider, serving 4,764 students across 16 schools. The Elizabethton district manages another five schools, including the county’s largest campus, Elizabethton High School, with 863 students.
What is the school experience like in Carter County?
Most schools in the county are located in suburban areas, providing a blend of neighborhood accessibility and larger student populations. The landscape ranges from Elizabethton High to smaller rural campuses, catering to various family preferences.
How can I find homes near good schools in Carter County, Tennessee?
The diverse mix of suburban and rural schools makes Carter County a flexible choice for homebuyers. Exploring properties near Elizabethton or Hampton allows families to find the right educational fit for their children.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.