Richard H. Dinkins Middle School

Richard H. Dinkins Middle School is a small middle school in north Nashville serving just 103 students in grades 6–8 within Metro Nashville Public Schools. Dinkins ranks 572 out of 594 Tennessee middle schools, placing it in the bottom 4% statewide with a 0-star rating, and its test proficiency rates are the lowest among every nearby school in all four core subjects — just 5.9% in math and 5.0% in English Language Arts, compared to state averages of 43.0% and 40.6%. Science (13.7%) and social studies (13.8%) are also far below state benchmarks, with about 1 in 20 students meeting state ELA standards.

One of the most striking findings is the relationship between spending and outcomes. Dinkins spends $38,044 per student annually — more than any nearby school and roughly 2.6 times what Meigs Middle School spends per pupil, despite Meigs being ranked #1 in Tennessee with 94.2% math proficiency. Nearby KIPP Academy Nashville spends about half as much per student and ranks in the 63rd percentile statewide. This contrast suggests that while Dinkins has substantial resources, they are not currently translating into academic results — though the small enrollment means fixed costs per student are naturally higher, and students may have needs requiring additional support.

Chronic absenteeism at Dinkins is 23.1%, essentially matching the district average of 23.3% and much better than nearby Haynes Middle School, which has a 51.0% rate yet still outperforms Dinkins in every subject. This suggests attendance alone doesn't explain the school's struggles. With such a small student body, year-to-year data can swing dramatically, and the school also reports no advanced math course data. Still, consistently low proficiency across every grade and subject points to serious, systemic challenges — particularly in literacy, which is foundational for learning in all other areas.