What we plant with purpose, we grow with pride. Across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), greatness is taking root and flourishing. According to new data released by the Tennessee Department of Education, MSCS recorded an 84.4 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2025, marking the district’s fourth consecutive year of improvement and a one-point increase over last year, continuing a strong upward trend in student achievement and demonstrating that when students receive the right supports, greatness follows. Even as some of Tennessee’s largest districts experienced declines, MSCS continued its pathway to greatness.
“For four years in a row, our students have shown what progress looks like when expectation meets belief. Their success embodies the spirit of MSCS: resilient, intelligent, and ready for every opportunity ahead. To sustain and strengthen this growth, we are advancing the 5 A’s: Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, and the Arts. This approach ensures every student is equipped, encouraged, and empowered to pursue greatness. Together, we will continue turning potential into promise and promise into purpose.” – Dr. Roderick Richmond, Interim Superintendent
Across Tennessee, the state’s overall graduation rate climbed to 92.3 percent, reflecting the third straight year of statewide gains. More than 69,000 seniors graduated last spring, demonstrating the state’s growing commitment to ensuring every student reaches the graduation stage ready for college, career, or the workforce. In total, 69 of Tennessee’s 147 school districts reported higher graduation rates this year.
Understanding How Graduation Rates Are Measured
Tennessee reports two graduation rates: a state rate and a federal rate.
Students with disabilities can earn a traditional diploma without taking Algebra II, Chemistry, or Physics. When they meet Tennessee’s graduation requirements, they are included in the state graduation rate.
Under federal guidelines, these same students are not counted as federal graduates. They remain in the class total but not in the graduate count, which often results in a slightly lower federal rate. The federal rate is used for national reporting; the state rate helps determine Tennessee’s Ready Graduate status. Both measures improved for MSCS this year.
MSCS Growth
The MSCS state graduation rate rose from 83.4% to 84.4% in 2024–2025, a one-point increase. The federal graduation rate increased from 82.8% to 84.1%, a 1.3-point gain. These gains mean more students are earning a diploma and moving confidently along their pathway to greatness.
This year, graduation rates rose across every major student group in MSCS, a powerful testament to the resilience and brilliance of our students. The most significant growth came among students with disabilities, whose state graduation rate increased by 8.4 points and federal graduation rate by 10.1 points.
A total of 21 MSCS schools increased their graduation rate by at least one percentage point this year. Several campuses achieved standout gains, including Trezevant High and Invictus Academy at Airways, each posting double-digit increases on state and/or federal measures. Melrose High and Mitchell High also demonstrated meaningful improvement, reflecting the determination of students who continue to excel. The 21 schools are:
- B. T. Washington High
- Bolton High
- G.W. Carver College and Career Academy
- Compass Community School Midtown
- Crosstown High School
- Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship
- Hamilton High
- Hollis F. Price Middle College
- Invictus Academy
- Kingsbury High
- KIPP Memphis Collegiate High School
- Manassas High
- Melrose High
- Memphis Academy of Science Engineering Middle/High
- Memphis Rise Academy
- Memphis School of Excellence
- Mitchell High
- Soulsville Charter School
- Trezevant High
- Westwood High
- White Station High
“At Melrose, excellence is not an accident; it is our inheritance. This year’s gains reflect the strength, pride, and unshakable spirit of our community. We honor our history, but we are not defined by it. We are moving with bold intention, grounded in who we are and driven by who we are becoming. The Golden Wildcats are ascending, carrying a future filled with promise.” – Andrea Talley, Principal, Melrose High
Steadfast Excellence
Five schools achieved a 100 percent graduation rate this year: Hollis F. Price Middle College, Medical District High School, Memphis School of Excellence, Memphis School of Excellence Cordova, and Middle College High School.
“This year, Hollis F. Price Middle College High School proudly celebrates a 100% graduation rate, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, character, and college readiness.
This success is possible because our students embrace high expectations, our teachers inspire with purpose, and our families and partners stand beside us in fulfilling our mission to educate, empower, and equip every scholar for success beyond high school.” – Dr. Sandra Barnes, Principal, Hollis F. Price Middle College
MSCS Compared to State Progress
In contrast, the state’s other two largest districts saw slight declines this year. Metro Nashville Public Schools dropped from 85.7 to 83.6 percent, and Knox County Schools fell from 93 to 92 percent. Hamilton County increased its rate to 94.2 from 93.2 in 2024.
“At Trezevant, our scholars are rewriting the narrative. Their double-digit gains reflect resilience, discipline, and a refusal to be counted out! When community, belief, and opportunity unite, our scholars don’t just rise, they exemplify success. The momentum built at Trezevant marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter, one driven by promise, purpose, and pride to #BEMASSIVE.” Eric Brent Principal Trezevant Highschool
Continuing the Momentum
Each diploma represents new possibilities, pathways to college, careers, and lifelong success. This achievement is a testament to the perseverance of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the tireless dedication of educators who guide them every step of the way.
“MSCS continues to elevate its graduation outcomes, standing alongside the strongest-performing large districts in Tennessee. In a district where many students face economic and social hurdles, their continued growth is powerful proof that greatness is not defined by circumstance; it is sparked by opportunity, nurtured by support, and propelled by intentional leadership that sees and serves the whole child.” – Dr. Roderick Richmond, Interim Superintendent
MSCS leaders credit the district’s upward trend to a renewed focus on academic acceleration, targeted interventions, and wraparound supports that help students stay on track to graduate. Looking forward, the district plans to build on this momentum by deepening academic supports, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring every graduate is prepared for life beyond high school, advancing the mission to prepare all students for success in learning, leadership, and life.
For more information about State, District, and School graduation rates, visit the TDOE data download page.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.