Best High Schools in Zip Code 38118

ZIP code 38118 in Memphis, TN, is home to 6 high schools serving approximately 2,724 students across grades 6–12, all within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district — a district currently ranked 137th out of 141 Tennessee districts (3rd percentile, 0 stars).

The standout school in this area is Oakhaven High School, which ranks 273rd out of 400 Tennessee schools (32nd percentile, 2 stars) — by far the best in the ZIP code. Oakhaven posted a 78.6% graduation rate and topped district proficiency averages in English II (47.8% vs. 39.5%) and Biology I (32.1% vs. 29.9%). Memphis School of Excellence boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the area (21.2%) and a remarkable 98.6% graduation rate, but its state ranking has slipped to the 12th percentile and its high-school test scores are weak. Invictus Academy at Airways is the most challenged school, ranking 390th out of 400 with a 91.5% chronic absenteeism rate and single-digit test proficiency in most subjects, despite spending the most per student at $21,404. The Excel Center appears to be a non-traditional/alternative school with a historical graduation rate near 14.8% and much lower per-student spending at $6,362. Both Wooddale High School and Sheffield High School rank in the bottom 6% of Tennessee schools, with Sheffield's graduation rate at just 56.6% and dropout rate at 42.1%.

Chronic absenteeism is a systemic crisis across this ZIP code, averaging roughly 57.7% — nearly double the district rate of 30.2% and triple the state rate of 18.3%. High spending clearly does not guarantee strong outcomes, as Invictus spends the most yet performs the worst, while Oakhaven spends less and achieves the best results. Graduation rates can also mask academic struggles: Invictus reports an 81.7% graduation rate despite drastically low test scores, suggesting credit recovery or alternative pathways rather than strong academic proficiency. No school in this ZIP code ranks above the state median, reflecting significant systemic challenges. For parents, Oakhaven is the strongest traditional option, while Memphis School of Excellence offers excellent attendance and graduation numbers but weaker high-school academics.