Graph 1: 2026 Overall Proficiency Rates for ELA, Math, Social Studies 

For another year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) students continue to demonstrate academic growth, with preliminary* 2026 TCAP results showing gains in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Social Studies. 

In Tennessee, proficiency means a student is performing at or above grade-level expectations on the TCAP assessment. Across MSCS and throughout the 2025-26 school year, proficiency increased from 24.6% to 25.7% in ELA, from 21.2% to 22.3% in Math, and from 26.1% to 28.7% in Social Studies, while Science results will be released by the Tennessee Department of Education later this summer.

"Progress is not accidental. It is the result of intentional investments, strong instruction, dedicated educators, and students who continue to rise to the challenge," said Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond.

"This year's results demonstrate what can happen when a district is aligned around a shared vision for student success. We have worked intentionally to strengthen our systems, support our educators, and create greater consistency across our schools. While there is still important work ahead, these gains reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, school leaders, and staff who continue moving our District forward."

Literacy Investments Producing Results

Graph 2: 2026 ELA Proficiency Rates by Grade, 3^rd Grade and Overall

English Language Arts continued its upward trajectory across Memphis-Shelby County Schools, with overall proficiency increasing from 24.6% in 2025 to 25.7% in 2026.

The most encouraging gains occurred at the elementary level. Overall grades 3-8 ELA proficiency improved from 2025, with gains observed in third, fourth, fifth, and seventh grade. Third grade students demonstrated the strongest improvement, increasing proficiency by 2.6 percentage points from the previous year.

These gains reflect targeted investments in early literacy, including supports in Pre-K through second grade, intentional professional development for teachers, expanded intervention services, dyslexia-specific supports, and a continued focus on foundational reading and writing skills.

Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs) also continue to play an important role in supporting student achievement. By helping reduce student-to-teacher ratios and providing additional support within the elementary classrooms, SEAs allow teachers to spend more time focused on instruction and individualized student needs.

We also recognize the contributions of educators, families, and community stakeholders, including the Strategic Partners for Literacy, whose support has helped strengthen reading instruction and student achievement across MSCS.

High School Achievement Continues to Rise

Graph 3: 2026 High School End of Course (EOC) Assessment Proficiency by Subject; Geometry, U.S. History, Algebra II, English II

The 2026 results also highlight significant academic growth at the high school level. Several End of Course (EOC) assessments recorded substantial increases from the previous year, with the largest percentage point gains from 2025 to 2026 in:

·       Geometry (+7.6 percentage points)

·       U.S. History (+5.1 percentage points)

·       Algebra II (+4.6 percentage points)

·       English II (+3.3 percentage points)

These gains reflect increased instructional coherence, consistent use of district lesson plans, and a strong culture of collaboration among educators across MSCS.

Social Studies Rebounds Through Intentional Focus

Graph 4: 2026 Proficiency Rates for Social Studies by Grade

One of our strongest turnaround stories this year was Social Studies. After experiencing declines in key high school social studies measures in 2025, MSCS reversed course and posted some of the strongest gains across all tested subjects in 2026:

·       Overall Social Studies proficiency increased from 26.1% to 28.7%, a gain of 2.6 percentage points.

·       Grades 6-8 Social Studies proficiency increased by 2.3 percentage points, with all three grade levels showing improvement.

·       Sixth and seventh grade students recorded the largest gains, each increasing by 2.8 percentage points.

·       U.S. History posted one of the strongest gains among all EOC assessments, increasing by 5.1 percentage points.

These gains were driven by several intentional strategies, including, expanded content-specific professional learning, strengthened support for teachers through instructional leaders and community partnerships, and increased emphasis on reading, writing, and academic vocabulary within Social Studies classrooms.

Focused on Middle School Growth

While we celebrate this year's progress, we remain focused on accelerating achievement in middle school grades, particularly in mathematics. Overall grades 3-8 math proficiency remained relatively stable, decreasing by half a percentage point from 2025. However, fourth and seventh grade students demonstrated gains, signaling positive momentum in key grade levels.

To support this work, MSCS is continuing its investment in professional learning, instructional coaching, regionalized support structures, and curriculum refinement. District leaders are also partnering with the Council of the Great City Schools to analyze performance trends, strengthen instructional practices, and refine strategies that address areas where students need additional support.

" These results reflect intentional work by educators, school leaders, and our Academic team," said Dr. Angela Whitelaw, Chief Academic Officer. "Last summer, our team developed and refined district lesson plans, strengthened instructional resources, and aligned supports to ensure greater consistency across classrooms. This summer, we are continuing that work through our partnership with the Council of the Great City Schools and the implementation of our Academic Plan, the District's first comprehensive academic roadmap in five years under Dr. Richmond’s leadership.”

The Road Ahead

As MSCS prepares for the 2026-27 school year, we remain focused on building upon our strengths, addressing areas of need, and ensuring every student has access to the opportunities, resources, and supports necessary to thrive. Through the continued implementation of the Academic Plan, strengthened instructional supports, and ongoing investments in students and educators, we remain focused on sustaining momentum and accelerating achievement across all schools.

MSCS remains committed to building on this progress and ensuring every student has a Pathway to Greatness.

*About Preliminary Results

The results shared in this release are preliminary and based on data provided by the Tennessee Department of Education. Final district results will be released following the state's accountability process, which includes additional calculations and adjustments for specific student groups and assessments. Science results will be released separately by the Tennessee Department of Education later this summer.

For those interested in reviewing the complete district results, the full 2026 TCAP report is available for download here. The Tennessee Department of Education will publish its TCAP results dashboard [here] on July 13, 2026, which will include district and statewide data.