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Below Average

#1580 of 1,785 schools in TN

Based on limited data

Memphis Merit Academy

Elementary School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools

4775 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118

Charter

Enrollment

355

Student-Teacher

17.8:1

Score

4.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Memphis

#152 of 199

public schools

Tennessee elementary schools

#896 of 1,002

In district

#158 of 202

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

About Memphis Merit Academy

Memphis Merit Academy is a charter elementary school located in Memphis, Tennessee. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 355 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.8:1 with 20 full-time equivalent teachers. The academic performance at Memphis Merit Academy indicates room for improvement, as reflected by its MySchoolScout rating of 2.2 out of 10 and state ranking of 1735 out of 1796 schools in Tennessee (4th percentile).

In terms of subject proficiency rates, 18% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, 14% in Math, and 19% in Science. While the school is currently focusing on student development and academic growth, it aims to provide a supportive learning environment for its community. Memphis Merit Academy is situated in a bustling urban area within Shelby County, offering students access to city resources and opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

Memphis Merit Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Partial Profile · 2/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics3.6Fair60%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.7%
Reading/ELA Proficiency18.4%
Math vs. State Avg-25.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.4 pts
Overall Proficiency16%
Expected (poverty-adj.)26%
vs. Expected-10.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.4Average40%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,650

Memphis Merit Academy — Students at Memphis Merit Academy score 16% 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

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 13.7%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 18.4%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 3 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

How Memphis Merit Academy Compares

See how Memphis Merit Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

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

Location

4775 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Memphis Merit Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Leadership Preparatory Charter School (rated 9.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Parkway Village Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cornerstone Prep School (rated 7.0/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Evans Elementary Memphis 0.4 mi 5.9
Overton High Memphis 0.7 mi 4.1
Memphis Virtual School Memphis 1.0 mi 4.7
Memphis Virtual Adult High School Memphis 1.0 mi
Cornerstone Prep School Memphis 0.9 mi 7.0
Willow Oaks Elementary Memphis 1.1 mi 6.2
Sheffield High Memphis 1.2 mi 4.9
Wooddale High Memphis 1.3 mi 4.1
Parkway Village Elementary Memphis 1.2 mi 8.3
Colonial Middle Memphis 1.5 mi 4.1
Shrine School Memphis 1.4 mi 7.3
Leadership Preparatory Charter School Memphis 1.3 mi 9.0
Wooddale Middle School Memphis 1.5 mi 3.6
Sheffield Elementary Memphis 1.4 mi 5.4
Memphis School of Excellence Memphis 1.7 mi 4.4
Fox Meadows Elementary Memphis 1.4 mi 6.4
Sea Isle Elementary Memphis 1.8 mi 6.8
Cromwell Elementary Memphis 1.9 mi 5.0
Power Center Academy High School Memphis 1.8 mi 7.3
South Park Elementary Memphis 1.7 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 38118 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,464

Median Home Value

$95,700

Median Rent

$1,105/mo

Population

39,162

College Educated

11.8%

Homeownership

37.8%

Avg Commute

20.2 min

Poverty Rate

32.5%

Median Age

28.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Memphis Merit Academy has a median household income of $42,464. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $95,700, with a median rent of $1,105/month. The area has a poverty rate of 32.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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
A H Roberts Elementary Livingston, TN 4.3
Beaver Elementary Wildersville, TN 4.3
Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence Chattanooga, TN 4.3
Barksdale Elementary Clarksville, TN 4.2
Bethel Grove Elementary Memphis, TN 4.2
Lakeview Elementary New Johnsonville, TN 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Memphis Merit Academy

What grades does Memphis Merit Academy serve?

Memphis Merit Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Memphis Merit Academy?

Memphis Merit Academy has an enrollment of approximately 355 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Memphis Merit Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Memphis Merit Academy 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 Memphis Merit Academy rank in TN?

Memphis Merit Academy is ranked #1580 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Memphis Merit Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Memphis Merit Academy 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 Memphis Merit Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Memphis Merit Academy has 13.7% math proficiency and 18.4% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Memphis Merit Academy a charter school?

Yes, Memphis Merit Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Memphis Merit Academy a Title I school?

No, Memphis Merit Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (9,456/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
355
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
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
#158 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

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