Thomas C. Cario Middle School
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Phone: (843) 856-4595
Fax: (843) 856-4599
District: Charleston 01 School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 6,7,8 • 1105 students
Thomas C. Cario Middle School, a public school located in Mount Pleasant, SC, serves grades 6-8 in the Charleston 01 School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Thomas C. Cario Middle School is a public school located in Mount Pleasant, SC. 1105 students attend Thomas C. Cario Middle School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 10/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) Tests data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 College and Career Ready Assessments (READY) data from South Carolina Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student Growth - Elementary Level data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 Student Growth - Middle Level data from South Carolina Department of Education. |
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Posted: August 20, 2025
Hey guys this school is pretty great i guess I have learned a lot from being here. Shout out to Mr smoak he is my favorite teacher ever he should win teacher of the year and yall should request to be in his class because he is so nice and he cares about his students and he is the only teacher that i feel like I actually learned from. And shout out to one my favorite Mrs. Rockleman I love her and she helped me and art and she is so kind and amazing. But one down side is there is a lot of coach roaches lurking around the building Im not sure how they spawn but its lowkey kinda gross but this school is very fun and I love it.
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
Posted: April 17, 2024
This school is not what my parents wanted me going into, the teachers are not often happy to help there students learn, Therre rather in for the paycheck. While very few teachers teach there kids well and care for there students the majority just want to be played. The principle Mr. Coleman is a great principle who is valued by almost every student; however the assistant principle is a lot to deal with, he has targeted multiple times including me, he makes us clean the tables and lets the cafe janitors sit on there phone while getting played to do almost nothing. I'm sorry but this school was not a good experience.
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Posted: June 18, 2023
Not that great of a school, I sent both of my daughters here last year and they absolutely hated it, they told me about how they had no playing equipment and that tons of kids smoke, I was like kids this young smoke? I was in shock. Also the staff here don't really respond to emails and are very slow and not compliant with parents. don't really recommend this school.
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
Posted: March 29, 2023
I am I kid that went there they are very unnecessary and they will target kids that dont apply there selves to all of there rules and if youre kid has a disability or is kinda in the troubled side I would not send my kid there they like to take things to the Exra level the only decent grade I would put my kid in would be there 6th grade and a lot of older kids there smoke in the bathrooms and they took the girls mirrors in the bathroom because they would try in fix their mascara, and make up
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: January 2, 2022
My experience at this school was horrible. I was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it. The bathrooms were inhumane, toilet water flooding the floors, pee on the floors, graffiti everywhere. Someone even took the toilet off of the ground. This was 2020-2021, so it is probably pretty similar now, but from my experience I do not recommend this school.
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: January 2, 2022
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
This is the worst school I have ever been to. All of the teachers have favorite students no matter what and alot teachers are bias. Do not send your kid here please. I know a bunch of kids including myself who have formed reflexes to getting hit at the school. And also not to mention the amount of harassment from other students the obvious harassment but yet teachers don't do anything. The only thing that I've learned from the school is how to stay up till 2 a.m. doing work. It doesn't help how all of the teachers act like their gods it's torture. Yes they do help kids with learning disabilities but they treat these kids amazingly and help them with everything... But the other students... oh, they're all on their own.
DO NOT SEND YOUR KID HERE FOR THERE OWN SAKE!
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: November 29, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Racial issues and it does not lie within the students. It's 2021 get over yourselves and teach all kids as they should be taught, not degrade them because of their skin color. Sickening!
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: May 19, 2021
Posted: October 24, 2017
Posted: October 24, 2017
That's the thing about this school now. With all the new Administrators there is no tolerance to bullying anymore. They shut it down ASAP, I have not had to worry about it since this whole team has come in. They are Awesome!!! Thank you
Posted: October 24, 2017
Posted: October 24, 2017
The teachers are awesome. They genuinely care about the students and have very engaging teaching styles from what I have heard from my son. They are eager to be in touch with the parents with any concerns.
Posted: October 24, 2017
Posted: October 24, 2017
Posted: October 24, 2017
A lot of times for Middle schoolers, school can be VERY stressful! I love my school, because they make a very friendly and helpful environment for students. Don't get me wrong there's still hard work involved, but Cario makes it not seem as bad. Also, there are so many activities going on every day and there's something for all interests.
Posted: October 18, 2017
Posted: October 18, 2017
Communication with teachers and with Principal Randall is encouraged when any problem occurs. I, as a parent, and my child know there are many ways to do this. Not only emails and phone calls but this school has an anonymous way of reporting a concern on the website that really makes easier for students who are uncomfortable about reporting things. The response is fast and I have always found the actions taken are appropriate. Cario does not seem to me to have many issues with bullying but the few times Ive heard of misbehavior, it was handled very appropriately.
Posted: October 18, 2017
As a parent, I feel that the homework given is necessary to master that particular lesson or skill and is not simply busy work. Ive never felt that my child was overwhelmed and I feel the teachers try to do as much as possible during school hours.
Posted: October 18, 2017
Every time I had a concern or question, the teacher would respond very quickly and we would figure out a solution together. I know my childs teachers and I are on the same team.
Posted: October 18, 2017
There is always something going on that promotes good character. The school has seminars for students and for parents several times a year about important social concerns like internet safety and social media issues. This school goes above and beyond to help educate and support our middle schoolers and empowers them to stand up for themselves and for other classmates.
Posted: October 18, 2017
Because I volunteer often at Cario, I see firsthand how seamless every day tasks are handled. Principal Randall is a caring and dedicated leader. Although this is a large middle school of over 1,200 students it really feels smaller. Administrators and teachers are always present all around the school and I know my child is safe during the school day.
Posted: October 18, 2017
Cario is an amazing school with very qualified teachers. I feel fortunate that my child has been able to go to a school with so many academic opportunities. The band, orchestra and chorus departments are the best Ive ever seen. I volunteer every week at Cario and get to interact with teachers and administrators and know first hand that Cario is an exceptional school because of the leadership of a very dedicated principal and the support of every teacher and staff member. I feel that every teacher cares about my child excelling academically and has helped navigate the social issues of middle school.
Posted: September 20, 2017
They take care of the kids that need extra help very very well. They give them the attention and help they need. Very Happy
Posted: September 20, 2017
Posted: September 20, 2017
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!!!
Posted: September 20, 2017
Posted: September 20, 2017
Posted: September 20, 2017
Posted: September 20, 2017
Posted: January 6, 2016
As in any school there are good things and less than perfect things. Fortunately, at Cario the good ones outweigh by far the bad ones. Teaching nowadays is more challenging than in the past and Cario faculty does a great keeping their students engaged. There are regular classes and an honor class, the difference is that a higher standard is expected from honor students. The school provides the means for the students who want -and have the drive- to succeed. Every time I approached teachers to learn about my daughters progress they provided detailed information and useful tips on how we could support her and reinforce what the school was teaching her. This is what makes Cario a great school.
Posted: November 5, 2015
If you are not in honors classes they have no regard for your child. They don't take the time to get to know the students. I have had three children attend this school and am ready to move my last child into a new school. There are a handful of good teachers but for every good teacher there is a bad teacher. They don't use common sense.
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: July 21, 2015
Posted: July 21, 2015
Posted: July 21, 2015
Really good teachers who care about their students. They work very hard to motivate and engage their students.
Posted: May 27, 2015
Posted: May 27, 2015
Hi, we are from San Juan, Puerto Rico, my son is in 7 th Grade, we came a year ago, and this is a bless school, the best teachers, my son learned so much, they go that extra mile always to help you. Everything is so organized, so clean. The principal Mrs. Sharon Randall, god bless her for all the hard work, her attention always to details, caring about all the student. Keep the good job. Mrs. Fernández
Posted: February 10, 2015
This has been the MOST frustrating experience. We have had the worst experience here, from teachers that are not understood, to bullies, to a school who for some strange reason is unwilling to move a child from an honors class even when they are FAILING. Absolutely just go someplace else.
Posted: December 2, 2014
Student's test scores are very high. Cario is very safe. Students are really nice and there are always new students, so if you are going to be a new student, it's not a big deal. Teachers seem to really care about the students.
Posted: December 2, 2014
My daughter attended all 3 years at Cario, was in all honors and excelled in Band. She loved Cario; which made an easy transition for her in to Wando HS. Cario's curriculum prepares students to the next level -- high school.
Posted: December 2, 2014
Cario is a great place for kids! Hard working teachers, administrators, and staff. Great community of parents and volunteers.
Posted: December 1, 2014
This is a great school with huge parent involvement and great admin support for all those involved.
Posted: December 1, 2014
We have visited several schools in the Mt. Pleasant area and feel that Cario will be a great fit for our family. The faculty and staff were very informative and helpful.
Posted: December 1, 2014
Thomas C. Cario Middle School is a great asset to the community. The front office staff is exceptional, teachers are motivating and the students are very excited to help new students.
Posted: May 28, 2014
Worse school I have ever seen. They need to get their prioriities straight, have called several times about students bullying and was told they would get to in when they got to me on the list. We came from a state where the schools are rated no. 2 in the nation, where there is a zero tolerance policy for bullies. To those of you who are considering this school, do not be fooled by the 10 rating, look deeper, I wish I had, the younger child who was a straight A student now hates school, has stomach aches, bites her nails and crys every day when she has to go to school.
Posted: April 16, 2014
My children have been moved around quite a bit. They have been through many transitions with different schools. My daughter is in 8th grade an says Cario has been her favorite school. My son is in 7 th grade an is in the 504 program. This is the first school he has not had problems with bullies. The teachers have been kind and supportive so far.
Posted: March 12, 2014
I'm an 8th grader who moved here with my parents from Oregon. I hear a lot of great things about this school. Many said this school is for the students who want to make a difference and succeed. (Please note I am a Straight A student) The first couple of quarters were great, but things started to go downhill. Students back talking and arguing to teachers, fights nearly everyday, abusive teachers who give out punishments like candy, and the worst of all... Bullying. This school is full of bullies, its so bad that some considering committing suicide. Yet the teachers do nothing about it. It gets to a point where you can't tell the teacher on bullies because the punishments aren't enough to make them stop. Unfortunately the 8th grade owes over $3000 in debt for ID tags, over 90 students are failing all classes, and we have the most referrals and suspensions than the 6th and 7th graders. If you're thinking of transferring your child here please reconsider. Most students don't take kindly to strangers. Please do research before you enroll your child here. The only thing I can say is that YOUR child's life will change completely at this school. My grades were A+ to B- and C+
Posted: December 18, 2013
Cario is a great school. We moved here from another state and this school exceeded our expectations. The arts programs are wonderful. From orchestra and band which most students have not played an instrument before to art, chorus and the amazing drama/theater program. The productions from drama and shows from chorus have been wonderful. The new year round Drama class has helped my shy child to become confident , proud and make great friends. The academics are right on track. There are teachers that are more involved with parents and kids and some that take a back seat. I have seen a few disrespectful students give their teachers a very hard time, back talk and disrupt classes. Teachers are limited in how to respond to this behavior. Its a great school with an amazing arts component .
Posted: December 17, 2013
This school is okay, but there are many major problems. The teachers that I have had have been phenomenal, but there's many teachers who are often complained about by both students and faculty. Many teachers make it seem like grades are everything and if you get a bad grade, you're dumb. Many teachers, though, have positively impacted my grades and time at Cario. PEOPLE GOING TO CARIO: TAKE CHORUS. MR B IS THE BEST! I'm in my second year here, and we've already had 3 principals. Pretty much no one knows who the principal here even is. There are many bullying and peer pressure problems going on here that administrator know about but do nothing to fix. The common core standards they're required to teach us are absolutely horrible, especially in Science and SS! I don't know about the teachers, but the art programs here are wonderful (aside from drama..). They provide students 2 related arts periods a day, which mostly are picked at random. They have band, orchestra, art, PE, computer classses, spanish, robotics, and more. The cafeteria here is nice but way overpriced and pretty unhealthy. But their biggest problem: OVERPOPULATION. Classes are overcrowded and it's hard to concentrate.
Posted: February 16, 2013
We have just relocated here from the Northeast, and I will not hesitate to say that this school is outstanding. From the Administration to the individual teachers, we have been very satisfied with the daily operations. The teachers really care about the kids in a genuine way. They go out of their way to have 'out of the box' lessons and activities to make learning fun! My sons LOVE school here! I couldn't ask for anything more!
Posted: February 15, 2013
The Fine Arts programs at Cario are excellent. Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Art and Theatre programs far exceed any other middle school in the area in quality, as well as student and parent involvement.
Posted: February 12, 2013
The school touts it's status as the "best middle school in South Carolina" (based on state test scoring.. It is, in fact, because of the local demographics: if you are white, affluent, and have no Special Education needs, the school is one of the safer buildings in the District. Academically, it is in fact quite average on the national level. It is incredibly overcrowded because it is "safe". Teachers are overworked, under-appreciated, and receive little support from ambitious administrators, who utilize an oppressive, threatening management style. Do not send your child to this school if they have any type of disability...they are looked upon by administration as a liability to the school's performance (and the impact on the administrators's careers), despite the incredible dedication of the very overworked and dedicated Exceptional Education teaching staff. Teachers stay at Cario because it is the safest place to work in the District...or they leave the District . New teachers...be aware of this! Consider the great private schools in the area before you choose Cario.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mt Pleasant | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Mount Pleasant | SC | 6 mi | |
| 2 | Ibis Glade in Tanner Plantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Hanahan | SC | 13.9 mi | |
| 3 | St James Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Goose Creek | SC | 14.1 mi | |
| 4 | Longleaf | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Goose Creek | SC | 15.3 mi | |
| 5 | Brickhope Plantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Goose Creek | SC | 16.2 mi | |
| 6 | Village Green | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Charleston | SC | 17 mi | |
| 7 | Coventry Green | Apartment Complex | Goose Creek | SC | 18.6 mi | |
| 8 | Indigo Fields | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Charleston | SC | 18.7 mi | |
| 9 | Wescott Plantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Summerville | SC | 21.2 mi | |
| 10 | Summerville Place | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Ladson | SC | 21.5 mi | |
| 11 | Summerville Place | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Summerville | SC | 21.8 mi | |
| 12 | Tranquil Acres | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Ladson | SC | 22.1 mi | |
| 13 | Cane Bay Plantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Summerville | SC | 24.8 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Pleasant | Mount Pleasant | SC | 3.9 mi | |
| 2 | Naval Weapons Station Charleston | Goose Creek | SC | 10.3 mi | |
| 3 | West Ashley | Charleston | SC | 16.6 mi | |
| 4 | Summerville, SC | Summerville | SC | 24.5 mi | |
| 5 | Downtown | Summerville | SC | 24.5 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Coast Guard Charleston | 11.6 mi. |
| Charleston AFB | 14.9 mi. |
| Charleston Naval Weapons Station | 15.2 mi. |
