Best Elementary Schools
in Memphis, Tennessee
We ranked all 136 elementary schools in Memphis. The top 25 scored between 8.3 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
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
Ida B. Wells Academy ES/MS
Balmoral/Ridgeway 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Tennessee so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis STEM Academy Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.5 |
| 2 | Ida B. Wells Academy ES/MS Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.4 |
| 3 | Balmoral/Ridgeway Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.4 |
| 4 | Wells Station Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.3 |
| 5 | Newberry Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.2 |
| 6 | Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.2 |
| 7 | Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.2 |
| 8 | Jackson Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.1 |
| 9 | Oakhaven Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.0 |
| 10 | Leadership Preparatory Charter School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.0 |
| 11 | Idlewild Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.9 |
| 12 | Southwind Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.9 |
| 13 | Compass Community School Berclair Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.9 |
| 14 | J. P. Freeman Elementary/Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.8 |
| 15 | Compass Community School Frayser Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.8 |
| 16 | Power Center Academy Elementary School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.7 |
| 17 | Cherokee Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.6 |
| 18 | Winridge Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.6 |
| 19 | Aurora Collegiate Academy Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.6 |
| 20 | Oak Forest Elementary Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.5 |
| 21 | Freedom Prep Elementary - Parkrose Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.5 |
| 22 | Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.4 |
| 23 | Compass Community School Binghampton Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.4 |
| 24 | CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 25 | KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.3 |
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 9.5/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.2/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.