We invite YOU to come and build with us! Memphis-Shelby County Schools
It’s a wrap for the 2023-24 school year! Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) students and staff marked the end with a series of events, celebrations, and moments of gratitude.
Pre-K Pioneers, Elementary Excellers, Middle Schoolers on the Move, and Celebrating our 24K Seniors
Last August, students in grades 1-5 entered a world of exciting opportunities and enriching academic experiences. In May, they marked the end of TCAP testing and the school year with field trips and activities, inductions, and recognitions.
From honor society inductions to auditions and sports tryouts, students in grades 6-8 took on additional responsibilities, stepping further into their goals and identities. Middle schools hosted special activities, giving pre-teens a look at how high schoolers celebrate milestones.
High school students hit the books, hit the fields, and hit the stages in various ways as they made the most of the school year. ACT scores for the District’s graduating seniors rose in 2023, defying a national decline. We were thrilled to celebrate over 700 of our scholars, from sophomores to seniors, that scored 25 or higher on the ACT exam. Also, three basketball teams competed in championship games, gaining local and state acclaim.
As graduation season kicked off, families and parents were in attendance as the District’s youngest students crossed the school stage, ready for the next grade. Pre-K and Kindergarten students were awarded certificates in various areas, and families applauded in delight at each ceremony.
More than 5,000 seniors turned the tassel and are now official graduates of MSCS. The District highlighted their academic triumphs, and colleges and organizations offered millions of dollars in scholarships.
District Highlights
The community rallied around students at the beginning of the school year and continued to provide vital support as needed in schools. Thirty-four schools, including 18 district-managed and 16 charters, were named Reward Schools – the highest honor under Tennessee's accountability model. These schools excelled in benchmarks, demonstrated remarkable growth, and achieved excellence across various categories.
The District released its first anthem on 901 Day (September 1), “See the Future,” in line with the theme for the school year, and former students were invited to engage with the District as part of the newly launched Alumni Relations Division.
Students continued to elevate the District’s narrative with various accolades, initiatives, and acts of service. Three MSCS students were named “Keepers of the Dream” by the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM), and the NCRM also served as one of the key places welcoming students as part of the Discovering Memphis field trip initiative. In addition, MSCS high school bands performed at home basketball games for LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) this spring, enhancing the District’s partnership with the city’s only historically black college and university (HBCU).
Superintendent Feagins works with students in the classroom.As students moved forward in learning, MSCS navigated and wrapped an 18-month superintendent search that culminated in the selection of Dr. Marie N. Feagins. Dr. Feagins took the helm on April 1 and immediately immersed herself in the community, engaging every school and community in a series of VIP tours, events, and visits.
Legacy Builder Co-Chairs (left to right - Carmeron Kuykindall, Sydney James, Myles Gregory)In an instant connection with our 110,000 students, Dr. Feagins called for students to be a major voice as she adjusts to her new role. She formed the Legacy Builders alongside her transition team.
“Memphis-Shelby County Schools will transform as a result of this sense of ownership and investment,” said Dr. Feagins. “I saw thoughtful discussions taking place and I can’t wait to see the innovative solutions and perspectives they bring as we move Memphis together.”
The end… and the beginning
The end of the school year marks the beginning of summer vacation for hundreds of families across Memphis and Shelby County. Community partners have been sharing their summer camp options via social media and directly with families, but MSCS also has www.scsk12.org/summercamp available for families to select summer learning options.
Students can explore options that fit closely with their interests, including aviation, cosmetology, arts and music, and much more.
See you next school year!
Students will return for the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 5. Click here to view the student calendar.