Austin Elementary

Austin Elementary is a small, rural PK-5 school in Memphis, TX, serving 139 students within the Memphis Independent School District (Isd). Over 82% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and the school maintains a very favorable student-to-teacher ratio of about 10.8:1.

This school has achieved a remarkable turnaround over the past decade. After ranking in the 11th percentile statewide in 2017, Austin Elementary climbed to a peak of the 81st percentile (4 stars) in the 2024-2025 school year. During that standout year, the school significantly outperformed state averages, with 85.71% of 3rd graders proficient in math (vs. 44.88% statewide) and 85.71% proficient in reading (vs. 52.02% statewide). The school is particularly effective for its Hispanic students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds, with these groups earning 4-star ratings. However, the school's overall rank dropped to the 63rd percentile in 2025-2026, and 3rd grade math proficiency fell to 35.71%, suggesting that sustaining peak performance requires continued effort. There are no other schools within 20 miles of Austin Elementary for direct comparison.

Two interesting patterns emerge from the data. First, there is a persistent gender gap: in the most recent data, male students rank in the 69th percentile while female students rank in the 33rd percentile, indicating the school may need to examine how its instruction engages all students. Second, the school spends a significant $13,601 per student, and this investment in small class sizes and resources appears to be paying off, especially for its high-needs population. While the 2024-2025 cohort was exceptional, the school's overall trajectory remains strongly positive compared to its past performance.