For the 2025 school year, there are 74 public charter schools serving 26,379 students in Shelby County, TN.
The top ranked public charter schools in Shelby County, TN are Memphis Stem Academy, Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School and Crosstown High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, TN public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Tennessee public charter school average of 19%), and reading proficiency score of 15% (versus the 21% statewide average). Charter schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Tennessee public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public charter school average of 91% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Shelby County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Memphis Stem Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2180 Frayser Blvd
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 708-3001
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 708-3001
Gr: PK-5 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #22.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Gr: PK-5 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Crosstown High School
Charter School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1365 Tower Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 401-5505
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 401-5505
Gr: 9-12 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #44.
Memphis Rise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5221 Raleigh Lagrange Rd
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 379-5750
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 379-5750
Gr: 6-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Memphis Business Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1082 Berclair
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 591-7267
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 591-7267
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Journey East Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6870 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 567-7086
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 567-7086
Gr: K-5 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Compass Community School Hickory Hill Campus
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3572 Emerald
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 546-9926
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 546-9926
Gr: K-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Southern Avenue Charter School Of Academic Excellence Creati
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2221 Democrat Rd
Memphis, TN 38132
(901) 743-7335
Memphis, TN 38132
(901) 743-7335
Gr: K-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Compass Community School Midtown Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
61 N. Mclean Blvd
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-1221
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-1221
Gr: 9-12 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Memphis School Of Excellence Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8360 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 421-6825
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 421-6825
Gr: 6-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Memphis School Of Excellence Elementary Cordova
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8350 Macon Rd
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 707-8146
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 707-8146
Gr: K-5 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #1212.
Promise Academy - Spring Hill
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3796 Frayser-raleigh Rd
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 324-4456
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 324-4456
Gr: PK-5 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Aurora Collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4841 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 249-4615
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 249-4615
Gr: K-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Leadership Preparatory Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4190 Elliston Rd
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 512-4495
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 512-4495
Gr: K-8 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1515.
Compass Community School Orange Mound Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2718 Lamar Ave
Memphis, TN 38114
(901) 743-6700
Memphis, TN 38114
(901) 743-6700
Gr: K-8 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1616.
Freedom Prep Elementary - Millbranch
Charter School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3750 Millbranch Rd
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 538-9500
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 538-9500
Gr: K-5 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1717.
Power Center Academy Elementary - Southeast
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8146 E Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 602-5530
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 602-5530
Gr: K-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1818.
Arrow Academy Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
645 Semmes St
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 207-1891
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 207-1891
Gr: K-5 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #1919.
Circles Of Success Learning Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 322-7978
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 322-7978
Gr: K-5 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Rank: #2020.
Power Center Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3540 S. Mendenhall St
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-2999
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-2999
Gr: K-5 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2121.
Promise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1346 Bryan St
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 324-4456
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 324-4456
Gr: PK-5 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
City University School Girls Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1475 East Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 775-2219
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 775-2219
Gr: 6-8 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Compass Community School Binghampton Campus
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2540 Hale Ave
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 866-9084
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 866-9084
Gr: K-8 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #2424.
City University School Of Liberal Arts
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1475 E. Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2219
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2219
Gr: 9-12 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2525.
Star Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3240 James Rd
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 387-5050
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 387-5050
Gr: K-6 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2626.
Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4443 S. Germantown Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 505-0551
Gr: 6-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #2727.
Kipp Memphis Collegiate Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
230 Henry Ave
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 791-9391
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 791-9391
Gr: K-5 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #2828.
Power Center Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5390 Mendenhall Square Mall
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-1331
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 310-1331
Gr: 9-12 | 673 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Memphis Business Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 357-2708
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 357-2708
Gr: 6-8 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Memphis Merit Academy
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4775 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 617-3690
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 617-3690
Gr: K-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #3131.
Memphis Business Academy High School
Charter School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3306 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 357-8680
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 357-8680
Gr: 9-12 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3232.
Compass Community School Frayser Campus
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3690 Thomas St
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 358-7431
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 358-7431
Gr: K-8 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #3333.
Power Center Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5449 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 333-6874
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 333-6874
Gr: 6-8 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #3434.
Wooddale Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3467 Castleman St
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 730-4086
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 730-4086
Gr: 6-8 | 552 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3535.
Memphis School Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4921 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 425-2932
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 425-2932
Gr: 6-12 | 562 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Show 39 more public schools in Shelby County, TN (out of 74 total schools)
Loading...
Shelby County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2601 Ketchum Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-5006
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-5006
Gr: 6-8 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
5905 Grosvenor
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 684-2128
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 684-2128
Gr: K-5 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
4734 Shadowlawn Rd
Arlington, TN 38002
(901) 373-2654
Arlington, TN 38002
(901) 373-2654
Gr: 9 | 753 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
1555 Mcalister Dr
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 396-2800
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 396-2800
Gr: 9-12
4100 Ross Rd
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 730-8157
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 730-8157
Gr: 9-12 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
951 Chelsea
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) -23-6-01
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) -23-6-01
Gr: PK-5 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
943 J. W. Williams La
Memphis, TN 38105
(901) 416-3206
Memphis, TN 38105
(901) 416-3206
Gr: PK-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
1591 Pennsylvania
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-7884
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-7884
Gr: 7-12 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
1591 Pennsylvania
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-7594
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-7594
Gr: 9-12 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
1475 E. Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2219
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2219
Gr: 6-8 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
3210 Raleighmillington Rd
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 416-4306
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 416-4306
Gr: PK-5 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
1662 Dabbs Ave
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 416-3926
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 416-3926
Gr: PK-5 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
2230 Corry Rd
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 416-7804
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 416-7804
Gr: 6-8 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
2109 Howell
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 416-4524
Memphis, TN 38108
(901) 416-4524
Gr: 6-8 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
817 Brownlee Rd
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6164
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6164
Gr: K-5 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
8800 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 509-6190
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 509-6190
Gr: K-8
8146 E Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 751-7122
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 751-7122
Gr: 9-12 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
817 Brownlee Rd
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6171
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6171
Gr: 9-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
1880 Prospect
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 331-3436
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 331-3436
Gr: 9-12
8146 E. Shelby Dr
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 751-7122
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 751-7122
Gr: 6-8 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
817 Brownlee Rd
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6171
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 801-6171
Gr: 6-9 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
1500 Dunn Av
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-7816
Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-7816
Gr: PK-5 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
4943 West Union Rd
Millington, TN 38053
(901) 873-8165
Millington, TN 38053
(901) 873-8165
Gr: PK-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
3782 Jackson Ave
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 416-4250
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 416-4250
East Career Technology Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
3206 Poplar
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 416-6200
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 416-6200
Gr: 7-12
4950 Fairley Rd
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-8080
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 416-8080
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
3389 Dawn Dr
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 416-3700
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 416-3700
Gr: 9 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Show 87 more closed public schools in Shelby County, TN (out of 122 total schools)
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public charter schools in Shelby County, TN?
The top ranked public charter schools in Shelby County, TN include Memphis Stem Academy, Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School and Crosstown High School.
How many public charter schools are located in Shelby County?
74 public charter schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public charter schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public charter schools average of 91% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Shelby County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Shelby County include: Memphis Business Academy High School vs. Memphis Business Academy Elementary School, Memphis Stem Academy vs. Cornerstone Prep Denver Campus, Memphis Business Academy Elementary School vs. Memphis Business Academy High School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
