Public School Review - Established 2003

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

160 S Hollywood
Memphis, TN 38112
(District boundaries shown in map)
: 
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Tel: (901) 321-2500
www.scsk12.org

Top Rankings

Memphis-Shelby County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Tennessee for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 54 public charter schools serving 19,891 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. This district's average charter testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public charter schools in Tennessee.
Public Charter Schools in Memphis-Shelby County Schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Tennessee public charter school average of 21%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 23% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public charter school average of 90% (majority Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (TN)
# Schools
223 Schools
113 Schools
# Students
111,125 Students
44,884 Students
# Teachers
n/a
n/a
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
n/a

Student By Grade

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends

GradeMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
Pre-K2283
Kind1,55423
11,64424
21,60223
31,63022
41,53520
51,51823
61,94832
71,87029
81,64927
91,40721
101,20819
111,11417
1298415
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District Rank

Memphis-Shelby County Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 147 school districts in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 81% has increased from 79% over five school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
State Average (TN)
#137 out of 147 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

Overall School District Rank Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County Schools
2023#137
2022#135
2021#140
2019#132
2018#129
2017#137
2016#129
2015#137
2014#123
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18%
34%

Math Proficiency Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202318%34%
202214%31%
20218%28%
201926%39%
201822%35%
201719%36%
20166%17%
201542%57%
201442%52%
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23%
37%

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202223%37%
202114%30%
201922%35%
201822%35%
201721%35%
201624%35%
201535%51%
201443%52%
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21%
40%

Science Proficiency Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202221%40%
202116%38%
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81%
90%

Graduation Rate Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202381%90%
202280%90%
202178%88%
202078%89%
201979%90%
201879%89%
201780%89%
201679%88%
201575%87%
201475%86%
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Students by Ethnicity:

0.44
0.57

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
20240.430.61
20230.430.59
20220.430.58
20210.420.58
20200.410.56
20190.410.56
20180.410.55
20170.410.55
20160.380.54
20150.420.53
20140.510.52
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% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
1%

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2014-2024)

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
20242%2%
20232%2%
20222%2%
20212%2%
20202%2%
20192%2%
20182%3%
20172%3%
20161%3%
20153%3%
20143%2%
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% Hispanic
20%
28%

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2014-2024)

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202418%15%
202318%14%
202217%13%
202116%12%
202014%11%
201914%11%
201813%10%
201713%10%
201612%9%
201512%8%
20149%8%
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% Black
72%
59%

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2014-2024)

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
202472%21%
202372%21%
202273%21%
202173%22%
202075%22%
201975%22%
201874%22%
201774%22%
201678%22%
201568%22%
201467%23%
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% White
4%
10%

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2014-2024)

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
20245%57%
20235%59%
20225%60%
20216%60%
20207%62%
20197%62%
20188%63%
20178%63%
20167%64%
201510%65%
201420%66%
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% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
2%

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2014-2024)

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
20243%5%
20233%4%
20223%4%
20213%4%
20202%3%
20192%3%
20183%2%
20173%2%
20162%2%
20153%2%
20141%1%
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All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $12,472 is higher than the state median of $12,075. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,444 is higher than the state median of $11,570. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
This State (TN)
Total Revenue
$1,386 MM
$12,104 MM

Total Revenues Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
2023$1,386 MM$39 MM
2022$1,347 MM$36 MM
2021$1,386 MM$39 MM
2020$1,347 MM$36 MM
2019$1,307 MM$35 MM
2018$1,374 MM$35 MM
2017$1,273 MM$34 MM
2016$1,219 MM$33 MM
2015$1,470 MM$30 MM
2014$1,470 MM$32 MM
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Spending
$1,383 MM
$11,597 MM

Total Expenditure Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
2023$1,383 MM$38 MM
2022$1,395 MM$36 MM
2021$1,383 MM$38 MM
2020$1,395 MM$36 MM
2019$1,425 MM$35 MM
2018$1,362 MM$34 MM
2017$1,307 MM$33 MM
2016$1,253 MM$32 MM
2015$1,500 MM$29 MM
2014$1,500 MM$33 MM
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Revenue / Student
$12,472
$12,075

Average Revenue Per Student Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
2023$12,623$12,207
2022$11,901$10,799
2021$12,511$12,446
2020$11,901$10,799
2019$11,658$10,461
2018$12,597$10,253
2017$201,424$9,828
2016$271,600$9,274
2015$542,776$8,707
2014$9,814$8,998
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Spending / Student
$12,444
$11,570

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends

YearMemphis-Shelby County SchoolsTennessee
2023$12,594$11,923
2022$12,324$10,735
2021$12,482$12,157
2020$12,324$10,735
2019$12,705$10,381
2018$12,489$10,022
2017$206,871$9,561
2016$279,175$9,213
2015$553,735$8,563
2014$10,012$9,415
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Best Memphis-Shelby County Schools Public Charter Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Memphis Stem Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2180 Frayser Blvd
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 708-3001
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students
Rank: #22.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Gr: PK-5 | 183 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #33.
Crosstown High School
Charter School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1365 Tower Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 401-5505
Gr: 9-12 | 520 students Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #44.
Memphis Rise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5221 Raleigh Lagrange Rd
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 379-5750
Gr: 6-12 | 753 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Memphis Business Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1082 Berclair
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 591-7267
Gr: PK-5 | 322 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Journey East Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
6870 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 567-7086
Gr: K-8 | 376 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
3572 Emerald
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 546-9926
Gr: K-8 | 241 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Southern Avenue Charter School Of Academic Excellence Creati
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2221 Democrat Rd
Memphis, TN 38132
(901) 743-7335
Gr: K-5 | 302 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Compass Community School Midtown Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
61 N. Mclean Blvd
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-1221
Gr: 9-12 | 373 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Memphis School Of Excellence Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8360 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 421-6825
Gr: 6-12 | 448 students Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Memphis School Of Excellence Elementary Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8350 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 707-8146
Gr: K-5 | 324 students Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Aurora Collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4841 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 249-4615
Gr: PK-5 | 340 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Leadership Preparatory Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4190 Elliston Rd
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 512-4495
Gr: K-8 | 462 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1414.
Compass Community School Orange Mound Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2718 Lamar Ave
Memphis, TN 38114
(901) 743-6700
Gr: K-8 | 203 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1515.
Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch
Charter School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3750 Millbranch Rd
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 538-9500
Gr: K-5 | 495 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1616.
Power Center Academy Elementary - Southeast
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8146 E Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 602-5530
Gr: K-5 | 423 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1717.
Arrow Academy Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
645 Semmes St
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 207-1891
Gr: K-5 | 76 students Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1818.
Circles Of Success Learning Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 322-7978
Gr: K-5 | 195 students
Rank: #1919.
Power Center Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3540 S. Mendenhall St
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-2999
Gr: K-5 | 703 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2020.
Promise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1346 Bryan St
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 324-4456
Gr: PK-5 | 282 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
City University School Girls Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1475 East Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 775-2219
Gr: 6-8 | 94 students
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Compass Community School Binghampton Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2540 Hale Ave
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 866-9084
Gr: K-8 | 201 students Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #2323.
City University School Of Liberal Arts
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1475 E. Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2219
Gr: 9-12 | 179 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2424.
Star Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3240 James Rd
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 387-5050
Gr: K-8 | 400 students
Rank: #2525.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Gr: 6-8 | 75 students
Rank: #2626.
Kipp Memphis Collegiate Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
230 Henry Ave
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 791-9391
Gr: K-5 | 381 students
Rank: #2727.
Power Center Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5390 Mendenhall Square Mall
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-1331
Gr: 9-12 | 671 students
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Memphis Business Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 357-2708
Gr: 6-8 | 399 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Memphis Merit Academy
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4775 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 617-3690
Gr: K-8 | 424 students
Rank: #3030.
Memphis Business Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 357-8680
Gr: 9-12 | 521 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3131.
Compass Community School Frayser Campus
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3690 Thomas St
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 358-7431
Gr: K-8 | 200 students Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #3232.
Power Center Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5449 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 333-6874
Gr: 6-8 | 451 students
Rank: #3333.
Memphis School Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4921 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 425-2932
Gr: 6-12 | 575 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3434.
Memphis College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 Dunn Ave
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 620-6475
Gr: K-5 | 227 students Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #35 - 3935. - 39.
Compass Community School Berclair Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3880 Forrest
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 323-2162
Gr: K-8 | 231 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Show 19 more public schools in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (out of 54 total schools)
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Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 223 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 111,125 students
  • Minority Enrollment: 95%
  • : 81% (Btm 50% in TN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : 23% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education

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