Thomas C. Cario Middle

Summary:

Thomas C. Cario Middle is a highly-ranked public middle school located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, serving 1,125 students in grades 6-8. As part of the Charleston 01 school district, which is ranked 24th out of 75 districts in the state, this school consistently stands out as an exceptional educational institution.

Thomas C. Cario Middle's academic performance is truly exceptional, ranking 3rd out of 325 middle schools in South Carolina for the 2023-2024 school year. This is reflected in the school's students consistently outperforming their peers across the district and state on standardized tests, with 99.53% of students scoring proficient or better in Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2, compared to 79.57% for the district and 72.5% for the state. The school's diverse student body, with representation from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, further highlights its commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience.

When compared to nearby middle schools, Thomas C. Cario Middle stands out as a true leader in the region. While Moultrie Middle and Laing Middle, also part of the Charleston 01 district, rank 4th and 7th in the state, respectively, schools in the neighboring Berkeley 01 district, such as Sedgefield Middle and Hanahan Middle, have significantly lower rankings and academic performance. This consistent high performance over time has solidified Thomas C. Cario Middle's reputation as a model of academic excellence in the region.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 3500 Thomas Cario Boulevard
       Mount Pleasant, SC  29466


(843) 856-4595

District: Charleston 01

SchoolDigger Rank:
3rd of 325 South Carolina Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,398 Help


Students who attend Thomas C. Cario Middle usually attend:

High:    Wando High

Feeder schools for Thomas C. Cario Middle:

Elementary:    Carolina Park Elementary
    Charles Pinckney Elementary
    Laurel Hill Primary

Student/teacher ratio:  18.2 Help
Number of students:  1,130

Racial breakdown:

White:
85.4%
Hispanic:
4.6%
African American:
3.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  14.2% Help


 See top rated South Carolina middle schools

 Compare Thomas C. Cario Middle to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thomas C. Cario Middle ranks better than 99.1% of middle schools in South Carolina. It also ranks 2nd among 12 ranked middle schools in the Charleston 01 School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.19. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (85.4%), Hispanic (4.6%), African American (3.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 14.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Charleston 01 School District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Thomas C. Cario Middle is 18.2, which is the highest among 12 middle schools in the Charleston 01 School District! (See more...)
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Compare Thomas C. Cario Middle employs 62 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thomas C. Cario Middle is $11,398, which is the lowest among 12 middle schools in the Charleston 01 School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thomas C. Cario Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Thomas C. Cario Middle 3rd of 325 South Carolina public middle schools. (See Thomas C. Cario Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
White students:


Charleston 01:

SchoolDigger ranks Charleston 01 24th of 75 South Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Thomas C. Cario Middle

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 95.18 4th 225 98.2%
2004 94.94 5th 230 97.8%
2005 95.40 4th 230 98.3%
2006 93.91 5th 231 97.8%
2007 93.15 7th 236 97.0%
2008 93.49 7th 244 97.1%
2009 93.48 7th 249 97.2%
2010 93.28 7th 261 97.3%
2011 92.78 8th 269 97.0%
2012 93.77 6th 271 97.8%
2013 94.69 7th 276 97.5%
2014 95.21 8th 291 97.3%
2015 96.10 9th 301 97.0%
2016 96.08 10th 303 96.7%
2017 95.44 12th 317 96.2%
2018 97.17 12th 303 96.0%
2019 97.53 11th 315 96.5%
2021 98.58 9th 311 97.1%
2022 98.21 8th 310 97.4%
2023 98.84 5th 325 98.5%
2024 99.19 3rd 325 99.1%
See the entire list of South Carolina Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.56 13th 280 95.4%
2019 92.99 18th 289 93.8%
2021 92.60 12th 288 95.8%
2022 94.80 8th 300 97.3%
2023 97.71 5th 313 98.4%
2024 98.87 5th 307 98.4%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.23 9th 281 96.8%
2019 96.41 9th 296 97.0%
2021 98.49 3rd 279 98.9%
2022 98.56 6th 290 97.9%
2023 98.85 2nd 299 99.3%
2024 99.14 2nd 294 99.3%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 68.41 35th 194 82.0%
2019 88.63 13th 195 93.3%
2021 83.85 11th 164 93.3%
2022 86.12 8th 183 95.6%
2023 98.92 1st 187 99.5%
2024 98.23 1st 177 99.4%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 85.06 8th 179 95.5%
2022 83.27 6th 182 96.7%
2023 83.65 2nd 185 98.9%
2024 83.80 1st 183 99.5%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.46 12th 284 95.8%
2019 98.23 10th 296 96.6%
2021 98.39 7th 279 97.5%
2022 97.59 9th 292 96.9%
2023 98.42 5th 303 98.3%
2024 98.91 4th 294 98.6%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 55.39 85th 237 64.1%
2019 63.78 60th 252 76.2%
2021 44.96 118th 235 49.8%
2022 58.28 76th 249 69.5%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 93.95 4th 139 97.1%
2023 98.25 2nd 141 98.6%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Thomas C. Cario Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.44 15th 250 94.0%
2019 93.65 14th 258 94.6%
2021 95.77 7th 244 97.1%
2022 94.35 10th 249 96.0%
2023 96.59 6th 260 97.7%
2024 97.18 4th 255 98.4%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: South Carolina Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Thomas C. Cario Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: South Carolina State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, October 27, 2017

Open Quote My son went through Cario Middle School several years ago. I loved it back then and still love it now that my daughter is going through. They have added so many related arts classes. Also I LOVE the Guidance Department. The Band, Chorus, Orchestra and Drama are top notch here at this school. The band teacher has taken it to a whole new level. They sound Great!!! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Thomas C. Cario Middle

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2000 325 165 8 2 0 n/a n/a 0 500
2001 457 165 8 4 0 n/a n/a 0 634
2002 593 176 17 8 6 n/a n/a 6 806
2003 593 176 17 8 6 n/a n/a 6 806
2004 690 169 16 18 5 n/a n/a 6 904
2005 772 177 28 8 8 n/a n/a 9 1002
2006 853 172 33 8 12 n/a n/a 8 1086
2007 914 236 27 16 7 n/a n/a 0 1200
2008 971 213 26 20 16 n/a n/a 18 1264
2009 945 198 18 28 14 n/a n/a 11 1214
2010 976 208 19 29 9 n/a n/a 8 1249
2011 1018 186 22 33 1 1 23 0 1284
2012 1091 177 22 39 1 0 28 0 1358
2013 1100 153 25 42 3 0 29 0 1352
2014 1077 133 33 40 1 1 24 0 1309
2015 1109 115 34 39 2 0 23 0 1322
2016 1094 71 26 23 1 1 21 0 1237
2017 1068 74 33 23 2 1 18 0 1219
2018 1039 67 33 32 2 1 19 0 1193
2019 1000 63 29 44 1 0 14 0 1151
2020 969 68 26 54 0 0 17 0 1134
2021 970 65 30 44 0 0 32 0 1141
2022 971 61 32 43 1 0 34 0 1142
2023 953 46 32 55 2 0 37 0 1125
2024 965 43 28 52 3 1 38 0 1130

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Thomas C. Cario Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2000 500 25.0 20.0 28.2
2001 634 35.8 17.7 22.7
2002 806 45.0 17.9 17.1
2003 806 45.0 17.9 17.1
2004 904 53.7 16.8 14.9
2005 1002 57.5 17.4 15.6
2006 1086 66.0 16.5 14.2
2007 1200 89.3 13.4 18.5
2008 1264 76.4 16.5 15.3
2009 1214 80.9 15.0 15.5
2010 1249 69.0 18.1 19.2
2011 1284 69.0 18.6 17.5
2012 1358 67.5 20.1 17.8
2013 1352 79.5 17.0 14.7
2014 1309 77.5 16.8 13.5
2015 1322 81.0 16.3 12.3
2016 1237 81.0 15.2 9.8
2017 1219 69.7 17.4 10.3
2018 1193 66.8 17.8 9.4
2019 1151 64.0 17.9 9.5
2020 1134 63.7 17.8 8.7
2021 1141 64.5 17.6 8.5
2022 1142 62.5 18.2 7.4
2023 1125 63.0 17.8 14.8
2024 1130 62.0 18.2 14.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Thomas C. Cario Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2000 500 25.0 20.0 28.2
2001 634 35.8 17.7 22.7
2002 806 45.0 17.9 17.1
2003 806 45.0 17.9 17.1
2004 904 53.7 16.8 14.9
2005 1002 57.5 17.4 15.6
2006 1086 66.0 16.5 14.2
2007 1200 89.3 13.4 18.5
2008 1264 76.4 16.5 15.3
2009 1214 80.9 15.0 15.5
2010 1249 69.0 18.1 19.2
2011 1284 69.0 18.6 17.5
2012 1358 67.5 20.1 17.8
2013 1352 79.5 17.0 14.7
2014 1309 77.5 16.8 13.5
2015 1322 81.0 16.3 12.3
2016 1237 81.0 15.2 9.8
2017 1219 69.7 17.4 10.3
2018 1193 66.8 17.8 9.4
2019 1151 64.0 17.9 9.5
2020 1134 63.7 17.8 8.7
2021 1141 64.5 17.6 8.5
2022 1142 62.5 18.2 7.4
2023 1125 63.0 17.8 14.8
2024 1130 62.0 18.2 14.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Thomas C. Cario Middle

Help

YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $415 (4.6%) $208 (2.3%) $623 (6.9%) $6,561 (72.6%) $1,858 (20.5%) $8,419 (93.1%) $9,042
2020 $448 (4.7%) $197 (2.1%) $645 (6.8%) $7,002 (73.3%) $1,901 (19.9%) $8,904 (93.3%) $9,548
2021 $470 (4.9%) $170 (1.8%) $640 (6.6%) $7,286 (75.6%) $1,711 (17.8%) $8,997 (93.4%) $9,637
2022 $605 (5.6%) $515 (4.7%) $1,120 (10.3%) $7,802 (71.8%) $1,948 (17.9%) $9,751 (89.7%) $10,871
2023 $826 (7.2%) $522 (4.6%) $1,348 (11.8%) $8,093 (71.0%) $1,957 (17.2%) $10,050 (88.2%) $11,398

Data source: South Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Thomas C. Cario Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 11th of 315 Middle schoolsRanks 5th of 325 Middle schools
 2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Science (Thomas C. Cario Middle)83.182.1
 1%
   6th Grade Science (Charleston 01)49.452.9
 3.5%
   6th Grade Science (South Carolina)47.143
 4.1%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Thomas C. Cario Middle)76.888
 11.2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Charleston 01)47.662.6
 15%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)41.153.4
 12.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Thomas C. Cario Middle)81.883.6
 1.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Charleston 01)4848.4
 0.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)43.936.7
 7.2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Thomas C. Cario Middle)73.386.4
 13.1%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Charleston 01)51.258.3
 7.1%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)4450.1
 6.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Thomas C. Cario Middle)66.273.6
 7.4%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Charleston 01)43.443.6
 0.2%
   7th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)35.331
 4.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Thomas C. Cario Middle)74.483.2
 8.8%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Charleston 01)5058.6
 8.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)44.553.1
 8.6%
8th Grade Mathematics (Thomas C. Cario Middle)76.268.4
 7.8%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Charleston 01)4240.2
 1.8%
   8th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)36.631.6
 5%
End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (Thomas C. Cario Middle)99.698.6
 1%
   End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (Charleston 01)75.777.4
 1.7%
   End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (South Carolina)68.668.3
 0.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students11511125
 2.3%
African American6346
 27%
American Indian12
 100%
Asian2932
 10.3%
Hispanic4455
 25%
Pacific Islander00
White1000953
 4.7%
Two or More Races1437
 164.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients9.5%14.8%
 5.3%


Schools Near Thomas C. Cario Middle









Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas C. Cario Middle

Yes! Thomas C. Cario Middle is one of the best middle schools in the state. It ranks 3rd of 325 South Carolina middle schools.

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,130 students attended Thomas C. Cario Middle.

Students at Thomas C. Cario Middle are 85% White, 5% Hispanic, 4% African American, 3% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

Students who attend Thomas C. Cario Middle usually go on to attend Wando High


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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