Best High Schools
in Memphis, Tennessee
We ranked the 49 high schools in Memphis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.7 and 8.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Memphis for 2026 are East High (8.7/10), Memphis Rise Academy (8.0/10), and Memphis University School (7.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 49 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Memphis?
Every high 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.
East High
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Memphis Rise Academy
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Memphis University School
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Memphis has 43 ranked high schools, and the gap between the top and the middle tells the real story. Crosstown High School leads the metro with a 9.1 out of 10, followed by Medical District High School at 8.6 and East High at 8.4 — a strong upper tier that pulls well ahead of the metro average of 5.4. Only 7 schools, about 16% of the ranked list, clear the 7-point threshold, so identifying which schools consistently perform above that line is worth your time before making any decisions. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit for your student. Crosstown, Medical District, and White Station High represent the clearest standouts, but the full picture is more nuanced — use the data to dig past the top names and compare schools on the factors that matter most to your family.
East High
Memphis Rise Academy
Memphis University School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Memphis's High 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 49 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | East High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.7 |
| 2 | Memphis Rise Academy Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 8.0 |
| 3 | Memphis University School | 7.9 |
| 4 | Compass Community School Midtown Campus Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.5 |
| 5 | Crosstown High School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.3 |
| 6 | Concord Academy | 7.1 |
| 7 | The Collegiate School of Memphis | 7.0 |
| 8 | White Station High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6.8 |
| 9 | Memphis Recovery Center | 6.8 |
| 10 | Medical District High School Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6.6 |
| 11 | Hollis F. Price Middle College Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6.4 |
| 12 | The Collegiate School of Memphis | 6.4 |
| 13 | Oakhaven High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.5 |
| 14 | Soulsville Charter School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.5 |
| 15 | Christian Brothers High School | 5.5 |
| 16 | Whitehaven High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.4 |
| 17 | Middle College High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.4 |
| 18 | Memphis Academy of Science Engineering Middle/high Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.3 |
| 19 | Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.3 |
| 20 | City University School of Liberal Arts Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.1 |
| 21 | Invictus Academy at Airways Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.1 |
| 22 | Freedom Prep Middle - Brownlee Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.1 |
| 23 | Mitchell High Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.0 |
| 24 | Memphis School of Excellence Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.9 |
| 25 | Power Center Academy High School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.7 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Tennessee education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 53 schools spanning 3 school districts, plus 17 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 high school in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, East High is the top-rated high school in Memphis with a composite score of 8.7/10. 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 high schools are in Memphis, Tennessee?
Memphis has 53 high schools, including 17 charter schools. Of these, 49 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Memphis?
The average composite score for Memphis high schools is 4.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Memphis has 17 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.