Very Good
#387 of 1,785 schools in TN
Top 22% in state
Maxine Smith Steam Academy
Middle School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools
750 East Parkway S, Memphis, TN 38104
Enrollment
397
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
7.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
397
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
7.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Memphis
#45 of 199
public schools
Tennessee middle schools
#43 of 338
In district
#47 of 202
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Academic performance
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Maxine Smith Steam Academy
Maxine Smith STEAM Academy serves 397 middle school students in grades 6-8 in Memphis, Tennessee, earning recognition as one of the state's top-performing schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranking 128th out of 1,796 Tennessee schools, the academy places in the 93rd percentile statewide. The school demonstrates strong academic achievement across all subject areas, with 88% of students scoring proficient or above in social studies, 84% in science, 74% in English language arts, and 68% in mathematics.
These impressive results reflect the dedicated work of 23 full-time equivalent teachers who maintain a student-teacher ratio of 17.3 to 1, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom. The academy's STEAM focus integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the curriculum, preparing students for future academic and career success. This specialized approach appears to be yielding excellent results, as evidenced by the school's exceptional academic performance and high state ranking.
Located at 750 East Parkway South in the 38104 ZIP code area, the school serves a diverse community where the median household income is $53,351 and half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, creating a supportive environment for educational excellence in Tennessee's largest city.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Maxine Smith Steam Academy — Students at Maxine Smith Steam Academy score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 6.6/10.
How Maxine Smith Steam Academy Compares
See how Maxine Smith Steam Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 84% (2019) to 81.6% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 75% (2019) to 79.3% (2025).
Location
750 East Parkway S, Memphis, TN 38104
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Maxine Smith Steam Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Idlewild Elementary (rated 8.9/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Compass Community School Binghampton Campus (rated 8.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, East High (rated 8.4/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Middle College High Memphis | 0.0 mi | 7.1 |
| Exceptional Children Special Placements Memphis | 0.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Peabody Elementary Memphis | 0.7 mi | 3.9 |
| LORDS TABERNACLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Memphis | 0.9 mi | — |
| Idlewild Elementary Memphis | 1.0 mi | 8.9 |
| Compass Community School Binghampton Campus Memphis | 1.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Dunbar Elementary Memphis | 1.3 mi | 5.0 |
| William Herbert Brewster Elementary School Memphis | 1.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Compass Community School Midtown Campus Memphis | 1.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Arrow Academy of Excellence Memphis | 1.4 mi | 3.7 |
| IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Memphis | 1.3 mi | 8.0 |
| GRACE-ST LUKES EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Memphis | 1.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Cornerstone Prep - Lester Campus Memphis | 1.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Lester Prep Memphis | 1.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Melrose High Memphis | 1.6 mi | 3.2 |
| Bethel Grove Elementary Memphis | 1.8 mi | 4.2 |
| Rozelle Elementary Memphis | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| East High Memphis | 1.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Compass Community School Orange Mound Campus Memphis | 2.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Snowden Elementary/Middle Memphis | 2.1 mi | 7.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 38104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,452
Median Home Value
$301,100
Median Rent
$1,073/mo
Population
22,925
College Educated
51.9%
Homeownership
39.4%
Avg Commute
18.4 min
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Median Age
37.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Maxine Smith Steam Academy has a median household income of $56,452. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $301,100, with a median rent of $1,073/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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 |
|---|---|
| Alcoa Middle School Alcoa, TN | 7.6 |
| Cascade Middle School Wartrace, TN | 7.6 |
| Sunny Hill Intermediate School Brownsville, TN | 7.6 |
| Bledsoe County Middle School Pikeville, TN | 7.5 |
| Brown Intermediate School Sweetwater, TN | 7.5 |
| Poplar Grove 5-8 Franklin, TN | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maxine Smith Steam Academy
What grades does Maxine Smith Steam Academy serve?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Maxine Smith Steam Academy?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy has an enrollment of approximately 397 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Maxine Smith Steam Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Maxine Smith Steam Academy is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Maxine Smith Steam Academy rank in TN?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy is ranked #387 out of 1,785 schools in TN.
What is Maxine Smith Steam Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy has a composite rating of 7.6 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 Maxine Smith Steam Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Maxine Smith Steam Academy has 68.2% math proficiency and 74.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Maxine Smith Steam Academy a charter school?
No, Maxine Smith Steam Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Maxine Smith Steam Academy a Title I school?
No, Maxine Smith Steam Academy is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 397
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Shelby County
- Phone
- (901) 416-4536
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Memphis-Shelby County Schools- District Enrollment
- 110,057
- Schools in District
- 222
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,695
- District Rank
- #47 of 202
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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