Shelby County Schools & Education
Shelby County, Tennessee
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,387
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#94
of 95 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Shelby County, Tennessee
Tennessee's Largest and Most Diverse System
Shelby County oversees a massive network of 274 public schools serving nearly 150,000 students. The landscape is deeply varied, including 147 elementary schools and 59 high schools distributed across nine separate districts. This system is the primary educational engine for the Memphis metropolitan area.
Navigating Challenges in a Large Urban District
The county faces significant academic hurdles, with an 82.0% graduation rate that falls below both state and national averages. Per-pupil spending of $6,387 is slightly above the state average but remains far below the national median of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 48.0, highlighting the need for continued investment and reform.
A Hub for Charter Schools and Multiple Districts
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is the dominant district with 109,797 students, but the county also features 70 charter schools, representing 25.5% of all campuses. Suburban districts like Collierville and Bartlett operate independently and host the county's largest schools, such as Bartlett High with 2,851 students. This multi-district approach provides residents with a wide array of educational choices and governance models.
Urban Centers and Large-Scale High Schools
With 217 schools located in city settings, the educational experience is predominantly urban and fast-paced. The average school size is 577, but flagship suburban high schools like Collierville and Houston High serve thousands of students each. This mix offers everything from small specialized city charters to massive, resource-heavy suburban campuses.
Strategic Home Buying for Diverse Options
Prospective homeowners in Shelby County often choose between the diverse charter options in the city or the high-performing suburban districts. Neighborhoods in Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown are particularly popular for their massive high schools and independent district management. School choice is a defining factor of the real estate market in this region.
School Overview
Total Schools
274
in Shelby County
Total Enrollment
149,462
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
70
26% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Shelby County
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Collierville
Bartlett
Germantown
Achievement School District
Arlington
Millington Municipal Schools
Tennessee Public Charter School Commission
Lakeland
274 Public Schools in Shelby County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett High School | Bartlett | 9–12 | High | 2,851 |
| Collierville High School | Collierville | 9–12 | High | 2,836 |
| Cordova High School | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,110 |
| Arlington High | Arlington | 9–12 | High | 2,063 |
| Houston High School | Germantown | 9–12 | High | 1,938 |
| White Station High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,840 |
| Germantown High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,806 |
| Whitehaven High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,587 |
| Dexter School | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 1,513 |
| Southwind High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,507 |
| Overton High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,422 |
| Snowden Elementary/Middle | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 1,373 |
| Central High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,312 |
| West Collierville Middle School | Collierville | 6–8 | Middle | 1,309 |
| Kingsbury High | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,295 |
| Millington Central Middle High School | Millington Municipal Schools | 7–12 | High | 1,191 |
| Riverdale Elementary School | Germantown | PK–8 | Primary | 1,171 |
| Early Childhood Programs | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | PK–KG | Primary | 1,152 |
| Macon-Hall Elementary | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 1,141 |
| White Station Middle | Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,099 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,387
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Shelby County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Shelby County, Tennessee?
Shelby County oversees a massive network of 274 public schools serving nearly 150,000 students. The landscape is deeply varied, including 147 elementary schools and 59 high schools distributed across nine separate districts. This system is the primary educational engine for the Memphis metropolitan area.
How do schools in Shelby County perform academically?
The county faces significant academic hurdles, with an 82.0% graduation rate that falls below both state and national averages. Per-pupil spending of $6,387 is slightly above the state average but remains far below the national median of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 48.0, highlighting the need for continued investment and reform.
What are the major school districts in Shelby County, Tennessee?
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is the dominant district with 109,797 students, but the county also features 70 charter schools, representing 25.5% of all campuses. Suburban districts like Collierville and Bartlett operate independently and host the county's largest schools, such as Bartlett High with 2,851 students. This multi-district approach provides residents with a wide array of educational choices and governance models.
What is the school experience like in Shelby County?
With 217 schools located in city settings, the educational experience is predominantly urban and fast-paced. The average school size is 577, but flagship suburban high schools like Collierville and Houston High serve thousands of students each. This mix offers everything from small specialized city charters to massive, resource-heavy suburban campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Shelby County, Tennessee?
Prospective homeowners in Shelby County often choose between the diverse charter options in the city or the high-performing suburban districts. Neighborhoods in Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown are particularly popular for their massive high schools and independent district management. School choice is a defining factor of the real estate market in this region.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.