Carter High School

I work a lot with Knox Co Schools and Carter is one of the greatest. My child goes there and loves it. From Ms Hickman on down they are great.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a community member with a long history in community music. With regard to the reviews which touch on music programs, I have to point out that competitions do NOT provide a measure of a music program. The measures of a truly great program are 1) how much the activities encourage and foster lifelong musical interest, knowledge and community contributions; 2) how much music activities contribute to character and community values rather than bleeding a community of its talent and finances; and 3) how well the music programs support and enhance academic and athletic programs. When people read the words posted here, ask yourself - was it truly someone in the community that wrote this? Or is it someone hoping to elevate outside unaccountable interests? Nothing helps kids more than solid, consistent character.

It's a great school, teachers, kids, office personal

Carter High has the most competent and caring teachers you can find. There just aren't many advanced classes. Also, arts are an issue. You can't have a winning band with 2 directors and 200 kids. Knox Co. should give more support. If they did, Carter High would be a shining star for Knox County!
—Submitted by a parent

My second child is now attending Carter High School. Challenging academic courses are limited although the teachers are caring. The much-hyped band is a disappointment. We attend band events. While fun to watch, they haven't won a competition in the 4 years we've been here. Expensive trips to places like Walt Disney World promise round-the-clock fundraising - which stresses students' famililes. Chronically short on necessities and poor staff skills yeild hours of hair pulling frustration. Of the 150 or so students fewer than 10% even try for district competitions. If you want caring, compassionate teachers who can excite your student about learning this is the place - unless your child wants a serious career as a music teacher or musician. In which case, you need to look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a freshman at Carter and I am very pleased with the enthusiasm and professionalism that the teachers and Mrs. Hickman have shown. The Band program is awesome, we have had a wonderful time going to the football games and competitions to watch them perform. The band's booster club is a very hard working bunch of people, and keep a severely under funded program, one of the best, if not the best around going! I feel very fortunate to be able to send my child to CHS.
—Submitted by Jesse, a parent

Carter High School is a great school. I must say I was shocked about one of the parents reviews because i should know how the school is, I attend. Yes we've had fights yes we've had racial arguments but they've been handled since then. Cater isn't all about sports or smarts is about helping students with what they need help with putting them first. That why I like it.
—Submitted by ~Caitlin~, a student

I attended Carter a few years ago. Overall the school was ok. It was not the best experience but I maintained. It helps dramatically when you are involved in the school. One thing that I am able to say is Carter offers many and varioius different organizations and clubs for children dto get involved in. It is just up to the child of their involvment level. I had a few bad experiences and a few good ones. I can say theat the good outwieighed the bad. We had about 3 different assistant princiopal changes which did not settle with students very well.
—Submitted by a former student

i am a carter high school grad and i would like to say that the academic programs are great for th students . The music and art and sports is a great way for students to express their there fills for school .The leavel of parent involement lets the parents know whats going on at Carter High School i would highly recommend that students who go to carter high school let there parents come and see what they are doing and how they are doing in school . I went to carter high and i done really good with the teachers . The teachers are there for the students that need help in a subject . If a student need help with something the teachers are there to help the student with what they need help with the most . I hope some students fine carter fun like i did.
—Submitted by April Bailey, a former student

I am a new student to Carter High School. I have been to the school many times though and even though the school does need some repairs it has been a great school so far. The have a great program called the chums that help freshman throughout their first year and have a wide variety of extracurricular activites. I like this school and am very proud to be able to attend it.
—Submitted by a student

My son had to change school districts,and started at Carter as a freshman. I think the school is wonderful! Mrs Hickman is a very good principal. And security is always there. I think at every school there are always a few bad apples. But do not let this one incident change your mind. Carter is a wondeful school. And they have a wonderful coaching staff and take care of the children that are there to learn. Carter is a great school.
—Submitted by Lisa, a parent

My daughter attends Carter as a freshman. I have to say I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the school. Last week there was another racial fight which sent a child to ICU. Twice this week, the school has been swarmed with police officers. Just how safe are our children? I was assured that all the children are safe because of all the police officers there, but I have to ask, how many police officers were at Columbine when that situation happened? Also, I recently had to pick my daughter up early. I needed to use the restroom before I left. What a scary experience that was! Grafitti covers the walls, cigarette burns cover the toilet seats and about 30 girls gathered there to discuss their babies and to smoke. The school is way underfunded and I want desperately to transfer my daughter for her safety.
—Submitted by a parent

So far Carter High School has been great with my daughter. Ms. Hickman the principal is the best thing that has happened to Carter High School. She is very involved in what the students are doing. She is also very liked and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent