Carter High School is a public high school located in the Strawberry Plains neighborhood of Knox County, Tennessee, operated by the Knox County school system. The school's athletic teams are the Hornets, and its colors are green and white.
Serving 749 students in grades 9-12, Carter High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 749 students
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Carter High School's student population of 749 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
749 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
53 teachers
Year Founded
1915
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Motto
Educating, Motivating, and Producing Responsible Citizens of Tomorrow.
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Carter High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carter High School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1409 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
40%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
10%
16%
Black
7%
20%
White
78%
57%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carter High School's ranking?
Carter High School is ranked #1409 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Carter High School often compared to?
Carter High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bearden High School, West High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Carter High School?
The graduation rate of Carter High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Carter High School?
749 students attend Carter High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Carter High School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Carter High School offer ?
Carter High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Carter High School part of?
Carter High School is part of Knox County School District.
School Reviews
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