Carver College and Career Academy

Carver College and Career Academy is an alternative public school in Memphis, Tennessee, serving 402 students in grades K–12 as part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, which ranks in the bottom 3% of Tennessee districts. The data reveal a school in crisis: a graduation rate of just 40.6% in 2024–25 against a district average of 84.1% and a state average of 90.5%, a dropout rate of 57.5% (more than eight times the state average of 6.7%), and chronic absenteeism affecting 66.8% of students — meaning two out of every three students are missing enough school to fall behind.

Academic proficiency is in single digits for most subjects: only 12% of students are proficient in English II, 9.3% in Biology I, 5.2% in Geometry, and 6.7% in U.S. History. These struggles begin as early as elementary school, where just 7–8% of 3rd graders are proficient in math or ELA. The contrast with nearby alternative schools is stark: Memphis Virtual School has a 72.7% graduation rate and only 7.5% chronic absenteeism, while Germantown Online Academy of Learning boasts a 91.7% graduation rate. Avon School and Shrine School also have far lower absenteeism rates.

There are small signs of improvement — graduation rose from 5.3% in 2023–24 to 40.6% in 2024–25, and chronic absenteeism dropped from 77.2% to 66.8%. Carver also maintains small classes (9.1 students per teacher) and spends $13,024 per student. But even with these resources, outcomes remain far below every reasonable benchmark. The "college and career" name reflects an aspiration, not current reality. Carver is among the most challenged schools in Tennessee, and any meaningful turnaround will require intensive, coordinated support around attendance, early academics, and social-emotional needs.