Strength emerges when a district chooses to grow forward, driven by purpose, anchored in belief, and measured by outcomes. This year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) stands as an Advancing District, the state’s second-highest accountability rating, which affirms the progress taking shape across our community. In a district as large, complex, and resilient as MSCS, advancement is never accidental. It is earned through disciplined work, clear expectations, focused servant leadership, and a commitment to elevating every school and every child. As the state prepares to release the 2024-25 federal accountability results, MSCS demonstrates measurable momentum once again. The district has secured an Advancing designation for three of the last four years, which signals a system moving with focus, urgency, and unwavering belief in its students.
“Growing forward requires focus, resolve, and the courage to do the hard work together. Our Advancing designation shows that MSCS is rising with intention; not through shortcuts, but through daily commitment in every classroom and every school. We are building a system where progress is the expectation, not the exception.”
Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, Interim Superintendent
The Advancing designation reflects Tennessee’s evaluation of achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, graduation outcomes, and English learner progress. These indicators are assessed for the district as a whole and for key student groups, including economically disadvantaged students, English learners, students with disabilities, and Black, Hispanic, and Native American students. Under the state’s accountability formula, the All Students group is weighted at 60 percent of the overall rating, and the combined performance of the student subgroups accounts for the remaining 40 percent. MSCS demonstrated stable and improving performance across these measures, positioning the district in the middle-third statewide and ahead of approximately one-third of Tennessee systems.
The first accountability graph clearly shows this upward trajectory and the consistency MSCS has built over time.
This year, 44 MSCS schools achieved Reward status. This is 10 more than last year, and a compelling sign of rising excellence across our district. These schools represent the strongest academic performance and most significant growth, showing what becomes possible when students are supported, instruction is strong, and leadership is aligned. Their success reflects the belief, effort, and partnership that define our community. MSCS will recognize Reward Schools at the December Board Meeting and highlight their achievements across district platforms as examples of the excellence that grows within Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
“We are proud to be recognized as a Reward School, but even prouder of the journey that brought us here. Our students rose to every challenge; our educators led with excellence, and our families partnered with us in meaningful ways. This recognition affirms who we are and strengthens our commitment to unlocking every child’s potential.”
Wynn E. Earle, Principal, Kingsbury Elementary
The state identified 39 MSCS schools for CSI/Priority status based on multi-year results in literacy and math and graduation outcomes. These campuses follow structured improvement plans that provide deeper academic support and strengthened leadership guidance.
There is also a separate group of seven schools identified under federal CSI rules that are not Priority schools. These seven campuses were previously named CSI schools and continue to receive support because they have not yet met the benchmarks required to exit CSI, though they did not qualify for the state Priority list.
“Schools identified for additional support are not defined by a label. They are defined by the strength and potential of their students. This work calls us to understand the circumstances our children face so we can address the root of their needs and support their path to academic excellence. Through Pathways to Greatness and the district’s 5 A’s, we are strengthening coaching, leadership support, and intervention so every school can move forward with urgency and purpose. Our responsibility is to stand with schools until the progress our students deserve becomes the progress they experience every day.”
Dr. Debra Fox, Regional Superintendent
As Tennessee’s largest district, MSCS serves students who often face economic challenges, housing instability, food insecurity, and other barriers. CSI identification reflects where more intentional support is needed, not the limits of our students’ potential.
Five schools successfully exited the CSI list.
“This growth was earned through honest conversations, real collaboration, and a shared belief that our children deserve more. Our school didn’t wait for change; we worked for it. Exiting the list confirms that the direction we’re headed is the right one, and it reminds us that transformation is possible when an entire community refuses to give up on its students.”
Shannon Cotton, Principal, Holmes Road Elementary
Beyond CSI, the district also saw improvement across other federal support categories. The number of schools on the Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) list dropped from six to two, and the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) list decreased from 22 schools to 13. These shifts point to stronger subgroup performance and the early impact of more aligned practices across the district. Combined with the rise in Reward Schools and the five schools exiting CSI, the results reflect a district progressing with purpose while remaining clear-eyed about where support must deepen.
In addition to the CSI progress, several schools also moved out of the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) category and into Good Standing for 2024–25. Their improvement shows what becomes possible when supports are targeted, instruction is aligned, and teams commit to growing forward together.
“This year’s results tell the truth of who we are: a district where excellence is strengthening and where the path forward requires disciplined instruction, strong leadership, and a village fully aligned. The challenges remind us that our Pathways to Greatness are needed, that learning must be rigorous, and that every child deserves both academic mastery and holistic support. We will meet every school where it is, and we will move forward together with purpose, innovation, and an unshakeable commitment to the greatness our students are capable of.”
Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, Interim Superintendent
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.