Summary:
Zip code 38104 in Memphis, Tennessee is served by two public middle schools—Bellevue Middle School and Maxine Smith STEAM Academy—both part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and both serving grades 6–8.
These two nearby schools could hardly be more different. Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is a five-star school ranked 28th out of 594 Tennessee middle schools, placing it in the 95th percentile, with proficiency rates far above both the district and the state in every subject. Bellevue Middle School, by contrast, is a one-star school ranked 470th out of 594 (21st percentile) and has slipped gradually over three years. The academic gap between them is enormous: in English language arts, 75.1% of Maxine Smith students are proficient versus 22.3% at Bellevue, and in math the gap is 60.7% versus 16.7%. Bellevue does beat its district in science and social studies, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 15.7% is better than the state average of 18.3% and far better than the district's 30.2%. Maxine Smith, however, is exceptional even within a district ranked in the 3rd percentile statewide, showing that a school can excel despite its broader system.
Spending tells a surprising story: Bellevue spends $13,738 per student, while Maxine Smith spends $12,546—yet Maxine Smith’s outcomes are dramatically higher. This suggests factors like programming, instruction, and school culture matter more than spending alone. Maxine Smith also shines in advanced coursework, with 94.4% of Algebra I students scoring proficient or advanced, compared to just 18.1% districtwide. Its performance has been remarkably consistent, ranking 9th, 4th, and 28th in the state over the past three years. For parents in zip code 38104, Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is clearly the standout choice, while Bellevue Middle School offers a more average experience with strengths in attendance and social studies.
Thank you for your feedback!