Skip to main content

Below Average

#1579 of 1,785 schools in TN

Belle Forest Community School

Elementary School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools

3135 Ridgeway, Memphis, TN 38115

Enrollment

1,035

Student-Teacher

17.8:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Memphis

#151 of 199

public schools

Tennessee elementary schools

#895 of 1,002

In district

#157 of 202

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

About Belle Forest Community School

Belle Forest Community School serves 1,035 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Memphis, Tennessee. This regular public elementary school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.8:1 with 58 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The school currently ranks #1537 out of 1,796 elementary schools statewide, placing it in the 14th percentile with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10.

Belle Forest Community School is working to support student development and has opportunities for academic growth ahead. Located at 3135 Ridgeway in the 38115 ZIP code area, the school serves a community where the median household income is $39,176 and the median home value is $117,400. About 16% of neighborhood residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while 25% of families live below the poverty line.

The surrounding area has a population of approximately 36,574 residents. As a large elementary school in Memphis's urban landscape, Belle Forest Community School provides educational services to a substantial student body in Shelby County. The school operates within Memphis's large city setting, serving families in a diverse residential neighborhood.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.6Fair50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.61 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics4.9Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency22.6%
Math vs. State Avg-14.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-18.2 pts
Overall Proficiency24%
Expected (poverty-adj.)26%
vs. Expected-2.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.4Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,650

Belle Forest Community School — Students at Belle Forest Community School score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 21.5%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 18.5%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 7 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
35%
ELA
25%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
8%
2025
Math
24.5%
ELA
22.6%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.

How Belle Forest Community School Compares

See how Belle Forest Community School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.3/10
12th percentile in TN
Academic
4.9/10
4.9/10
Growth
3.6/10
Below average
Environment
5.4/10
Above average

Location

3135 Ridgeway, Memphis, TN 38115

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Belle Forest Community School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Balmoral/Ridgeway Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Newberry Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus (rated 9.2/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
SENSATIONAL ENLIGHTMENT Memphis 0.4 mi 7.4
Ridgeway Early Learning Center Memphis 0.6 mi 7.4
Winridge Elementary Memphis 0.8 mi 8.6
Ridgeway Middle Memphis 1.1 mi 4.9
Balmoral/Ridgeway Elementary Memphis 1.3 mi 9.4
Hickory Ridge Middle Memphis 1.4 mi 3.9
Hickory Ridge Elementary Memphis 1.5 mi 5.6
Fox Meadows Elementary Memphis 1.3 mi 6.4
Newberry Elementary Memphis 1.3 mi 9.2
EMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST KINDERGARTEN Memphis 1.6 mi
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus Memphis 1.5 mi 9.2
Ridgeway High Memphis 1.8 mi 6.6
Journey East Academy Memphis 1.6 mi 7.9
Power Center Academy Elementary School Memphis 1.6 mi 8.7
Power Center Academy Middle Memphis 1.6 mi 4.5
Power Center Academy High School Memphis 1.6 mi 7.3
Kirby High Memphis 1.9 mi 4.9
HUTCHISON SCHOOL Memphis 2.0 mi 7.1
Kirby Middle School Memphis 2.1 mi 3.4
Bluff City High School Memphis 2.1 mi 5.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 38115 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,931

Median Home Value

$129,700

Median Rent

$1,129/mo

Population

36,878

College Educated

14.3%

Homeownership

23%

Avg Commute

19.6 min

Poverty Rate

19.5%

Median Age

29.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Belle Forest Community School has a median household income of $42,931. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $129,700, with a median rent of $1,129/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.5%. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Hickory Creek School Mcminnville, TN 4.2
J. E. Moss Elementary Antioch, TN 4.2
Berclair Elementary Memphis, TN 4.4
East Brainerd Elementary School Chattanooga, TN 4.4
East Ridge Elementary School Chattanooga, TN 4.4
Munford Elementary Munford, TN 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Belle Forest Community School

What grades does Belle Forest Community School serve?

Belle Forest Community School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Belle Forest Community School?

Belle Forest Community School has an enrollment of approximately 1,035 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Belle Forest Community School?

The student-teacher ratio at Belle Forest Community School is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Belle Forest Community School rank in TN?

Belle Forest Community School is ranked #1579 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Belle Forest Community School's MySchoolScout rating?

Belle Forest Community School has a composite rating of 4.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Belle Forest Community School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Belle Forest Community School has 21.5% math proficiency and 18.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Belle Forest Community School a charter school?

No, Belle Forest Community School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Belle Forest Community School a Title I school?

No, Belle Forest Community School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
49 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (9,456/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Memphis). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
1,035
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
58
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Shelby County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Memphis-Shelby County Schools
District Enrollment
110,057
Schools in District
222
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,695
District Rank
#157 of 202

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.