Serving 397 students in grades 6-8, Maxine Smith Steam Academy ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 72% (which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher 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 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 397 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 72% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Maxine Smith Steam Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Maxine Smith Steam Academy's student population of 397 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
397 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Rankings
Maxine Smith Steam Academy ranks within the top 5% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Maxine Smith Steam Academy is 0.61, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#43 out of 1728 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
15%
Black
54%
21%
White
30%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
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 Maxine Smith Steam Academy's ranking?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy is ranked #43 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Maxine Smith Steam Academy often compared to?
Maxine Smith Steam Academyis often viewed alongside schools like White Station Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
72% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Maxine Smith Steam Academy?
397 students attend Maxine Smith Steam Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Maxine Smith Steam Academy students are Black, 30% of students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Maxine Smith Steam Academy?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Maxine Smith Steam Academy offer ?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Maxine Smith Steam Academy part of?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Maxine Smith Steam Academy located?
Maxine Smith Steam Academy is located in the East Memphis neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 8 other public schools located in East Memphis.
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