Best Public Schools in Zip Code 38109

ZIP code 38109 in Memphis, Tennessee, is served by 13 schools within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, offering grades Pre-K through 12 and enrolling about 5,928 students, though the area struggles as the district itself ranks in the 3rd percentile statewide. Across these schools, most academic metrics fall far below state averages, with chronic absenteeism averaging nearly 35%—a significant barrier to learning. The clear exception is J. P. Freeman Elementary/Middle School, which ranks in the 87th percentile, boasts an 8.4% chronic absenteeism rate, and outperforms district and state averages in math, ELA, and science, proving that high achievement is possible even in this challenging environment.

Among the other schools, Freedom Prep Elementary - Parkrose School is a relative bright spot with a 15.8% absenteeism rate and science proficiency near the state average. The two traditional high schools offer contrasting strengths: Mitchell High School posts better test scores, while Westwood High School has a stronger 86.5% graduation rate and far lower dropout rate. However, most schools rank in the bottom quartile, with Double Tree Elementary School, Levi Elementary School, Chickasaw Middle School, and Geeter School falling at or near the 1st percentile. Notably, Double Tree spends the most per student ($17,476) yet achieves the lowest results, showing that higher spending alone does not guarantee success.

Attendance is the strongest predictor of performance here: schools with the lowest chronic absenteeism—like J.P. Freeman, Westwood, and Freedom Prep—are the same ones posting the best outcomes, while Carver College and Career Academy faces severe challenges with 66.8% chronic absenteeism, a 40.6% graduation rate, and a 57.5% dropout rate. Another concerning trend is that several elementary schools, including Westhaven Elementary School, Freedom Prep, and Vision Preparatory Charter School, see proficiency decline between 3rd and 5th grade, indicating learning gaps widen rather than close. For parents, the data suggests that focusing on attendance improvements and early academic support, while learning from the practices at J.P. Freeman, may be the most effective path forward in this ZIP code.