Below Average
#1500 of 1,785 schools in TN
Southwind High
High School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools
7900 E Shelby Dr, Memphis, TN 38125
Enrollment
1,622
Student-Teacher
20.5:1
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,622
Student-Teacher
20.5:1
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Memphis
#138 of 199
public schools
Tennessee high schools
#315 of 361
In district
#143 of 202
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Academic growth
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Southwind High
Southwind High serves 1,622 students in grades 9-12 as a regular public school in Memphis, Tennessee's Shelby County district. With 79 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.5:1, providing a substantial high school environment for its large student body. The school currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks #1675 out of 1796 Tennessee high schools, placing it in the 7th percentile statewide.
While these rankings indicate significant room for academic growth, Southwind High continues to serve its community as students work toward their educational goals. Located at 7900 E Shelby Dr, the school sits in the 38125 ZIP code area, which demonstrates strong community characteristics. The neighborhood boasts a median household income of $80,116 and median home values of $205,800, with 36% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
The area maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 8.3% among its 43,305 residents. Southwind High operates in a large suburban setting, serving families in an established Memphis community that values education and maintains solid economic foundations for supporting student success.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Southwind High are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at Southwind High is 20.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Southwind High — Students at Southwind High score 18% proficient, which is below 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 7 test records from TN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.8/10.
How Southwind High Compares
See how Southwind High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 2% (2019) to 14% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 19% (2019) to 22.7% (2025).
Location
7900 E Shelby Dr, Memphis, TN 38125
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southwind High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bluff City High School (rated 5.2/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Kirby High (rated 4.9/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power Center Academy Middle - Southeast Memphis | 0.5 mi | 4.4 |
| Power Center Academy Elementary - Southeast Memphis | 0.5 mi | 7.8 |
| Southwind Elementary Memphis | 0.5 mi | 8.9 |
| Lowrance Elementary/Middle Memphis | 0.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School Memphis | 1.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Middle School Memphis | 1.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Highland Oaks Elementary Memphis | 1.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Highland Oaks Middle Memphis | 2.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Germanshire Elementary Germantown | 1.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Ross Elementary Memphis | 2.2 mi | 7.7 |
| Oak Forest Elementary Memphis | 2.8 mi | 8.5 |
| Bluff City High School Memphis | 2.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Kirby Middle School Memphis | 2.5 mi | 3.4 |
| Journey East Academy Memphis | 2.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Kirby High Memphis | 2.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Germantown Middle Germantown | 3.5 mi | 4.0 |
| Germantown Elementary Germantown | 3.5 mi | 6.8 |
| CENTER HILL MIDDLE Olive Branch | 3.3 mi | 5.5 |
| OVERPARK ELEMENTARY Olive Branch | 3.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Forest Hill Elementary School Germantown | 3.4 mi | 9.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 38125 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$83,184
Median Home Value
$230,400
Median Rent
$1,440/mo
Population
42,793
College Educated
37.2%
Homeownership
52%
Avg Commute
23.1 min
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Median Age
33.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Southwind High has a median household income of $83,184. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $230,400, with a median rent of $1,440/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.1%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Cumberland County High School Crossville, TN | 4.7 |
| Northeast High Clarksville, TN | 4.4 |
| The Howard School Chattanooga, TN | 4.4 |
| Brighton High School Brighton, TN | 4.8 |
| Campbell County Comprehensive High School Jacksboro, TN | 4.8 |
| Gallatin Senior High School Gallatin, TN | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwind High
What grades does Southwind High serve?
Southwind High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Southwind High?
Southwind High has an enrollment of approximately 1,622 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwind High?
The student-teacher ratio at Southwind High is 20.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Southwind High rank in TN?
Southwind High is ranked #1500 out of 1,785 schools in TN.
What is Southwind High's MySchoolScout rating?
Southwind High has a composite rating of 4.6 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 Southwind High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwind High has 6.3% math proficiency and 19.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Southwind High a charter school?
No, Southwind High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Southwind High a Title I school?
No, Southwind High is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,622
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 79
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Shelby County
- Phone
- (901) 416-4141
- 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
- #143 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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