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Average

#1370 of 1,786 schools in TN

City University School of Liberal Arts

High School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools

1475 E. Shelby DR, Memphis, TN 38106

Charter

Enrollment

201

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

5.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Tennessee schools

#1,370 of 1,786

In Memphis

#103 of 199

public schools

In district

#106 of 202

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

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City University School of Liberal Arts

5.1/10

High School in Memphis · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

City University School Girls Preparatory

7.4/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

City University School of Independence

Nearby

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About City University School of Liberal Arts

City University School of Liberal Arts is a public high school in Memphis, TN, part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. City University School of Liberal Arts serves approximately 201 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. City University School of Liberal Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,370 of 1,786 schools in TN.

Structured state assessment records for City University School of Liberal Arts show 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts above district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 4.7
  • TN avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

City University School of Liberal Arts is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

52% of students at City University School of Liberal Arts were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.9Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data10
Annual Change-3.03 pts/yr
Data Period2013–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.7% (2025 TCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency16.1% (2025 TCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-25.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.7 pts
Overall Proficiency15% (2025 TCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)26% (model expectation from 2025 TCAP)
vs. Expected-11.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
College Readiness9.6Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,695
Chronic Absenteeism51.7%

City University School of Liberal Arts — Students at City University School of Liberal Arts score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 19.4% (multi-year average, 2013-2025)
School
State
39.2% (2025 TCAP)
ELA Proficiency 21.6% (multi-year average, 2013-2025)
School
State
40.8% (2025 TCAP)

Based on 22 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2013
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2016
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2017
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2020*
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2025
Math
13.7%
ELA
16.1%

* 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: 1.9/10.

How City University School of Liberal Arts Compares

See how City University School of Liberal Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
23th percentile in TN
Academic
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
Sports
4
1 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
51.7%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics4sports offered
1 boys'·3 girls'·5 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1475 E. Shelby DR, Memphis, TN 38106

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering City University School of Liberal Arts may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Whitehaven High (rated 5.4/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Freedom Prep Middle - Brownlee (rated 5.1/10, 1.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Hillcrest High School (rated 4.3/10, 1.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
City University School Girls Preparatory Memphis 0.0 mi 7.4
City University School of Independence Memphis 0.0 mi
Havenview Middle Memphis 0.7 mi 4.3
Whitehaven Elementary Memphis 0.6 mi 6.5
Whitehaven High Memphis 0.6 mi 5.4
Hillcrest High School Memphis 1.1 mi 4.3
Oakshire Elementary Memphis 1.1 mi 3.5
Holmes Road Elementary Memphis 1.2 mi 4.5
Robert R. Church Elementary Memphis 1.4 mi 5.6
A. Maceo Walker Middle Memphis 1.5 mi 3.9
Freedom Prep Middle - Brownlee Memphis 1.5 mi 5.1
Gardenview Elementary Memphis 1.6 mi 4.2
Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch Memphis 2.0 mi 9.1
J. P. Freeman Elementary/Middle Memphis 1.8 mi 6.4
Westhaven Elementary Memphis 2.0 mi 6.2
Fairley High School Memphis 2.1 mi 2.1
Winchester Elementary Memphis 2.5 mi 3.9
SOUTHAVEN ELEMENTARY Southaven 2.6 mi 5.0
HOPE SULLIVAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Southaven 2.9 mi 4.6
SOUTHAVEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Southaven 3.0 mi 3.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 38106 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$29,818

Median Home Value

$66,400

Median Rent

$915/mo

Population

21,827

College Educated

12.1%

Homeownership

36.4%

Avg Commute

21.8 min

Poverty Rate

41.5%

Median Age

42.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Invictus Academy at Airways Memphis, TN 5.1
Lake Co High School Tiptonville, TN 5.3
CMCSS Adult High School Clarksville, TN 4.6
Clarkrange High School Clarkrange, TN 5.8
Pickett Co High School Byrdstown, TN 5.9
Vanguard Virtual High School Franklin, TN 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about City University School of Liberal Arts

What grades does City University School of Liberal Arts serve?

City University School of Liberal Arts serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend City University School of Liberal Arts?

City University School of Liberal Arts has an enrollment of approximately 201 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at City University School of Liberal Arts?

The student-teacher ratio at City University School of Liberal Arts is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does City University School of Liberal Arts rank in TN?

City University School of Liberal Arts ranks #1,370 of 1,786 schools in TN.

What is City University School of Liberal Arts's MySchoolScout rating?

City University School of Liberal Arts has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at City University School of Liberal Arts?

Based on loaded state assessment records, City University School of Liberal Arts has 19% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2025) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2025).

Is City University School of Liberal Arts a charter school?

Yes, City University School of Liberal Arts is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is City University School of Liberal Arts a Title I school?

No, City University School of Liberal Arts is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
28 Some Transit
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
201
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Shelby County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
51.7%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

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

How we rate schools

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