Graph 1: MSCS TCAP Proficiency Rates for Tested Subjects
For the 4th year in a row, greatness continues to grow at Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and the latest TCAP results reflect that progress. Overall proficiency rates in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies improved, with mathematics showing notable gains across all grade bands. These encouraging results highlight the hard work of our students, the district’s focused investment in rigorous instruction, and data-driven support. This momentum signals a district on the rise, where student achievement is steadily taking root.
“Growth is not optional; it’s our mandate,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond. “At MSCS, we’re not waiting on greatness; we’re growing it. Every data point is a seed, and we’re cultivating a future our students deserve.”
The 2025 TCAP scores point to a year of steady academic growth, particularly in mathematics. Algebra I and Algebra II saw the most significant gains, with Algebra II improving by 4.5 points and Algebra I by 2.7. These increases reflect the district’s continued emphasis on algebra readiness, including the availability of 8th-grade Algebra I and summer Bridge Camps to prepare students for early success in advanced math. Overall, Math 3-8 scores rose by 2.6 points, supported by the third year of implementation of updated standards and high-quality instructional materials, along with targeted professional learning for educators.
In English Language Arts, elementary grades (3-5) posted a 2.3-point increase, though high school English I and II saw slight declines. Science and Social Studies scores remained relatively consistent year over year, with modest gains in most grade levels.
Graph 2: 2024 & 2025 TCAP Result Comparison by the Years
2024 and 2025 TCAP Comparison: English Language Arts (ELA) by Grade Band
English Language Arts (ELA) achievement levels improved overall across Memphis-Shelby County Schools, with the most significant progress seen among elementary students.
In grades 3-5, the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations increased from 26.8% in 2024 to 29.1% in 2025, a growth of 2.3 percentage points.
In grades 6-8, achievement remained relatively steady, rising slightly from 17.6% to 17.9%.
Among high school students (grades 9-12), the percentage of students meeting expectations declined modestly, shifting from 28.0% in 2024 to 27.4% in 2025 – a decrease of 0.6 percentage points.
Across all grade levels (3-12), ELA achievement improved from 23.7% to 24.6%, reflecting a 0.9-point overall increase.
Graph 3: 2024 & 2025 TCAP Result Comparison by Grade Band, ELA
2024 and 2025 TCAP Comparison: Math by Grade Band
Math performance improved across all grade bands in 2025, with the strongest gains in elementary and high school students.
In grades 3-5, the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations in math rose from 24.3% in 2024 to 26.9% in 2025, an increase of 2.6 percentage points. This growth mirrors the upward trend also seen in reading for the same group.
Middle school students (grades 6-8) improved from 16.5% to 18.9%, a 2.4-point increase. While still below elementary levels, this steady progress reflects continued momentum.
In high school (grades 9-12), math performance climbed from 14.8% in 2024 to 17.3% in 2025, marking a 2.5-point increase.
Graph 4: 2024 & 2025 TCAP Result Comparison by Grade Band, Math
2024 and 2025 TCAP Comparison: Science by Grade Band
In 2024, the science proficiency rate for 3rd- through 5th-grade students was 27.6%, which increased slightly to 28.3% in 2025 (+0.7 percentage points). For 6th-8th graders, science proficiency increased from 23.3% in 2024 to 24.9% in 2025 (+1.6 points), representing the largest improvement across grade levels. Among 9th- through 12th-grade students, proficiency increased slightly from 26.7% to 26.9% (+0.2 points). When combining all grade levels, the district’s overall science proficiency improved from 25.7% to 26.7%, a total increase of +1.0 point.
Graph 5: 2024 & 2025 TCAP Result Comparison by Grade Band, Science
2024 and 2025 TCAP Comparison: Social Studies by Grade Band
In 2025, the social studies proficiency rate for students in grades 6-8 was 26.4%, reflecting a 2.1-point increase from 2024. In contrast, the high school grade band (grades 9-12) experienced a slight decline of 0.2 percentage points, with a proficiency rate of 23.7% in 2025. Overall, the district’s combined social studies proficiency rate improved by 1.8 points, rising from 24.3% in 2024 to 26.1% in 2025.
Graph 6: 2024 & 2025 TCAP Result Comparison by Grade Band, Social Studies
The Road Ahead
Year after year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools has demonstrated consistent academic progress. The latest TCAP results continue that upward trend, driven by the commitment of our students, the leadership of our schools, and the strength of our instructional strategies.
While MSCS saw gradual improvement overall, we recognize areas of opportunity, particularly in the slight decline in English I and II, and are responding with intention. This upcoming school year, we are executing a refined Academic Plan designed to support sustained gains, especially in literacy and foundational skills. Key to this plan is the strategic vetting and deployment of principal coaches who will support school leaders in executing instructional priorities.
To build a stronger instructional pipeline, we are deepening our work in vertical alignment across feeder patterns to ensure students experience consistent, coherent learning from elementary through high school. On day one, all schools will be equipped with the essential tools, including a districtwide formative assessment system, to identify student needs early and intervene quickly.
Our targeted efforts in mathematics, such as curriculum alignment and educator coaching, are already delivering results. These strategies will now be expanded to support sustained growth across all subject areas.
The 2025 TCAP results reflect more than a single year’s progress. They affirm a long-term trajectory of improvement and a deep-rooted belief that every student can achieve. These gains are not simply numbers. They represent the dedication of students, the collaboration of school teams, and the positive impact of a district-wide commitment to excellence.
“The data confirms what we already know: we’re headed in the right direction,” said Dr. Richmond. “But good is not our goal. Our mission is Greatness and we will not stop growing until we get there.”
As we build on this momentum, MSCS remains focused on what works while continuously pursuing better outcomes for all learners. We are not only raising academic performance; we are shaping futures filled with possibilities.