Serving 762 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Downtown Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 762 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Downtown Elementary School's student population of 762 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
762 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
School Rankings
Downtown Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,761 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downtown Elementary School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1350 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
15%
Black
92%
21%
White
3%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown Elementary School's ranking?
Downtown Elementary School is ranked #1350 out of 1,761 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Downtown Elementary School often compared to?
Downtown Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Grahamwood Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Downtown Elementary School?
762 students attend Downtown Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Downtown Elementary School students are Black, 3% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downtown Elementary School?
Downtown Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Downtown Elementary School offer ?
Downtown Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Downtown Elementary School part of?
Downtown Elementary School is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is Downtown Elementary School located?
Downtown Elementary School is located in the Downtown Memphis neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 1 other public schools located in Downtown Memphis.
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