The district (of which this is the sole comprehensive high school) includes Carthage, Brooklyn Heights, Fidelity, and the southern portion of Carytown.

As was fashionable at the time, the wood-framed building included a cupola, complete with a 125 lb (275 kg) cast iron bell, that was imported from Sheffield, England.

Due to the post-war zinc and lead mining boom in southwest Missouri, Carthage saw significant population growth.

Carthage High School is now located on the southeastern edge of town on River Street close to the facilities of the Fair Acres YMCA.

Notably, the school's old football stadium and related practice facilities are still located on the campus of the Carthage Junior High, on Centennial Avenue.

In 2011, Carthage the "5 Star Leadership School" Distinction, which encourages students to become even more active in regard to sportsmanship, character, education, and citizenship.