Best Elementary Schools
in Memphis, Tennessee
We ranked the 123 elementary schools in Memphis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.8 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Memphis for 2026 are Memphis Stem Academy (9.4/10), Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus (9.4/10), and Wells Station Elementary (9.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 123 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Memphis?
Every elementary school in Memphis is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Memphis Stem Academy
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Wells Station Elementary
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Memphis has 115 ranked elementary schools, giving families a wide field to evaluate. Memphis STEM Academy leads the pack with a 9.5/10 composite score, followed closely by Ida B. Wells Academy and Balmoral/Ridgeway Elementary, both at 9.4. The metro average sits at 6.1/10, which means the top schools are pulling significantly ahead of the midpoint — a gap worth paying attention to when comparing options. Forty-one percent of ranked schools, 47 in total, score 7 or above, so strong performers aren't limited to just a handful of names. Still, quality varies considerably across zip codes and school types. The sortable table below lets you filter by score, location, and other factors to zero in on what matters most for your child. Start with the top performers if academics are the priority, or sort by proximity to find the strongest schools closest to home.
Memphis Stem Academy
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus
Wells Station Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Memphis's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Tennessee so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 123 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis Stem Academy Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.4 |
| 2 | Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.4 |
| 3 | Wells Station Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.3 |
| 4 | Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.1 |
| 5 | Idlewild Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.0 |
| 6 | Southwind Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.0 |
| 7 | Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.0 |
| 8 | Compass Community School Berclair Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.8 |
| 9 | Leadership Preparatory Charter School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.8 |
| 10 | Richland Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.7 |
| 11 | Oak Forest Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.6 |
| 12 | Balmoral/ridgeway Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.5 |
| 13 | Winridge Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.5 |
| 14 | Power Center Academy Elementary School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.4 |
| 15 | Christ the King Lutheran School | 8.4 |
| 16 | Compass Community School Frayser Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.3 |
| 17 | Aurora Collegiate Academy Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.3 |
| 18 | Campus School Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.0 |
| 19 | Hawkins Mill Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.0 |
| 20 | Immaculate Conception Cathedral School | 8.0 |
| 21 | Immanuel Lutheran School | 7.9 |
| 22 | Bornblum Jewish Community School | 7.9 |
| 23 | Delano Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.8 |
| 24 | William Herbert Brewster Elementary School Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.8 |
| 25 | Power Center Academy Elementary - Southeast Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.8 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Tennessee education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Memphis
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Memphis's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Memphis
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Memphis's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 136 schools spanning 3 school districts, plus 37 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Memphis Stem Academy is the top-rated elementary school in Memphis with a composite score of 9.4/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Memphis, Tennessee?
Memphis has 136 elementary schools, including 37 charter schools. Of these, 130 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Memphis?
The average composite score for Memphis elementary schools is 6.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Tennessee, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Tennessee, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Memphis elementary school rankings?
Yes. Memphis has 37 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.