Public School Review - Established 2003

Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District

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 School District 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 2025 school year, there are 54 public charter schools serving 19,200 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District. 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 School District have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Tennessee public charter school average of 16%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 21% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public charter school average of 91% (majority Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (TN)
# Schools
225 Schools
123 Schools
# Students
111,219 Students
46,399 Students
# Teachers
6,868 Teachers
2,701 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1

District Rank

Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District, 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 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 80% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Definition of Terms
This School District
State Average (TN)
#135 out of 147 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
This chart displays the overall district rank of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
14%
31%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Tennessee by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
23%
37%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Tennessee by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
21%
40%
This chart displays the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of Tennessee by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
80%
90%
This chart displays public school graduation rate of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and public school graduation rate of Tennessee by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.45
0.55
# American Indian Students
91 Students
42 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
903 Students
434 Students
% Asian Students
1%
1%
# Hispanic Students
20,991 Students
12,068 Students
% Hispanic Students
19%
26%
# Black Students
79,969 Students
28,733 Students
% Black Students
72%
62%
# White Students
5,800 Students
4,177 Students
% White Students
5%
9%
# Hawaiian Students
44 Students
21 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
3,421 Students
924 Students
% of Two or more races Students
3%
2%

Students by Grade:

# Students in PK Grade:
4,874
464
# Students in K Grade:
8,830
3,562
# Students in 1st Grade:
8,809
3,499
# Students in 2nd Grade:
9,133
3,367
# Students in 3rd Grade:
8,352
3,072
# Students in 4th Grade:
8,448
3,096
# Students in 5th Grade:
8,699
3,627
# Students in 6th Grade:
8,196
4,876
# Students in 7th Grade:
8,022
4,669
# Students in 8th Grade:
7,785
4,549
# Students in 9th Grade:
8,476
3,453
# Students in 10th Grade:
7,482
3,155
# Students in 11th Grade:
6,895
2,688
# Students in 12th Grade:
7,218
2,322
# Ungraded Students:
-
-

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $12,462 is higher than the state median of $11,979. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,433 is higher than the state median of $11,478. 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
This chart displays total revenue of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and median value from total revenues of all school districts in Tennessee by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Spending
$1,383 MM
$11,597 MM
This chart displays total spending of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and median value from total spendings of all school districts in Tennessee by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Revenue / Student
$12,462
$11,979
This chart displays average revenue per public school student in Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and average revenue per public school student of all school districts in Tennessee by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Spending / Student
$12,433
$11,478
This chart displays average spending per public school student in Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District and average spending per public school student of all school districts in Tennessee by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.

Best Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District Public Charter Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Crosstown High School
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1365 Tower Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 401-5505
Grades: 9-12
| 499 students
Rank: #22.
Memphis Stem Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2180 Frayser Blvd
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 708-3001
Grades: PK-5
| 243 students
Rank: #33.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Grades: PK-5
| 174 students
Rank: #44.
Memphis Rise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5221 Raleigh Lagrange Rd
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 379-5750
Grades: 6-12
| 755 students
Rank: #55.
Memphis Business Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1082 Berclair
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 591-7267
Grades: PK-5
| 307 students
Rank: #66.
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
3572 Emerald
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 546-9926
Grades: K-8
| 254 students
Rank: #77.
Memphis School Of Excellence Elementary Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8350 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 707-8146
Grades: K-5
| 317 students
Rank: #88.
City University School Girls Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1475 East Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 775-2219
Grades: 6-8
| 100 students
Rank: #99.
Journey East Academy
Charter School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
6870 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 567-7086
Grades: K-5
| 329 students
Rank: #1010.
Compass Community School Midtown Campus
Charter School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
61 N. Mclean Blvd
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-1221
Grades: 9-12
| 356 students
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
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
Grades: K-8
| 188 students
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Memphis School Of Excellence Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8360 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 421-6825
Grades: 6-12
| 362 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Middle School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Grades: 6-8
| 56 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Memphis Merit Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4775 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 617-3690
Grades: K-5
| 355 students
Rank: #1515.
Aurora Collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4841 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 249-4615
Grades: K-5
| 330 students
Rank: #1616.
Southern Avenue Charter School Of Academic Excellence Creati
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2221 Democrat Rd
Memphis, TN 38132
(901) 743-7335
Grades: K-5
| 330 students
Rank: #1717.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 201 students
Rank: #1818.
Promise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1346 Bryan St
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 324-4456
Grades: PK-5
| 266 students
Rank: #1919.
Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3750 Millbranch Rd
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 538-9500
Grades: K-5
| 515 students
Rank: #2020.
Leadership Preparatory Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4190 Elliston Rd
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 512-4495
Grades: K-8
| 437 students
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Compass Community School Binghampton Campus
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2540 Hale Ave
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 866-9084
Grades: K-8
| 215 students
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Power Center Academy Elementary - Southeast
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8146 E Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 602-5530
Grades: K-5
| 433 students
Rank: #2323.
Circles Of Success Learning Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 322-7978
Grades: K-5
| 217 students
Rank: #2424.
Memphis School Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4921 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 425-2932
Grades: 6-12
| 562 students
Rank: #2525.
Memphis Business Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 357-2708
Grades: 6-8
| 426 students
Rank: #2626.
Power Center Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5390 Mendenhall Square Mall
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-1331
Grades: 9-12
| 673 students
Rank: #2727.
Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5132 Jonetta St, 6-8
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 538-9500
Grades: 6-12
| 723 students
Rank: #28 - 3028. - 30.
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
Grades: K-8
| 229 students
Rank: #28 - 3028. - 30.
Compass Community School Frayser Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3690 Thomas St
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 358-7431
Grades: K-8
| 204 students
Rank: #28 - 3028. - 30.
Veritas College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 Dunn Ave
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 526-1900
Grades: 6-8
| 135 students
Rank: #3131.
Memphis Business Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 357-8680
Grades: 9-12
| 511 students
Rank: #3232.
Star Academy
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3240 James Rd
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 387-5050
Grades: K-6
| 331 students
Rank: #3333.
Arrow Academy Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
645 Semmes St
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 207-1891
Grades: K-5
| 83 students
Rank: #3434.
Power Center Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3540 S. Mendenhall St
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-2999
Grades: K-5
| 712 students
Rank: #3535.
Power Center Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5449 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 333-6874
Grades: 6-8
| 449 students
Show 19 more public schools in Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District (out of 54 total schools)
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • District size: 225 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 111,219 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 95%
  • : 80% (Btm 50% in TN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 14% (Btm 50%)
  • : 23% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education

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