The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in Math. The lowest is 9% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Oakhaven Elementary
Oakhaven Elementary is a regular public school in Memphis, Tennessee, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district. The school’s enrollment is large for its grade band, with students distributed across every elementary grade. The student body is predominantly Black, with a substantial Hispanic presence and a very small share of white students and students of two or more races; Asian, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students each account for none of the enrollment. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are English learners was not available in the profile, a gap a parent may want to clarify with the school.
Housing in the area is notably affordable. Home values and rents in the ZIP code sit well below state and national benchmarks. The estimated monthly mortgage payment on a typical home is similar to the average rent, and the rent-to-income ratio suggests that housing costs account for a manageable share of a typical household’s income. The national unemployment rate was moderate, and real median household income has ticked up slightly in recent years, though these are national figures and may not reflect local economic conditions in this part of Memphis.
On state assessments, Oakhaven Elementary’s proficiency rates are below what is broadly considered a strong performance. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Shelby County. In math, about two in five students scored at or above the proficient level, with an even higher participation rate suggesting nearly all students were tested. In English language arts, a similar share of students met the proficiency bar. In science, the proficiency rate was notably lower, with just over a quarter of students reaching that level. The social studies assessment data comes from a much older year and involved a change in both the test name and cut scores, making it unreliable for current comparison. Across all subjects, the school had very strong test participation, with nearly all students taking the exams.
Because Oakhaven Elementary serves only through fifth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. The school does not have a charter status, and its magnet status was not listed. No information was available on discipline rates, course access, staffing ratios, or chronic absenteeism. The district brief noted searches for information about school closures under the Reimagining 901 plan and a property tax referendum, but no summary of findings was provided, so those topics are left unaddressed.
Memphis is a large city with a mix of cultural and civic anchors. The Mississippi River defines the geography. Downtown features Tom Lee Park, which underwent a major renovation recently, with ballcourts, walkable trails, and bike stands. Shelby Farms Park in East Memphis is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Overton Park houses the Memphis Zoo and sits near Rhodes College. Beale Street is a historic civic and cultural corridor. The Memphis Public Libraries system provides citywide service, and the Memphis Area Transit Authority operates the public bus system. Cultural landmarks include the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. FedExForum hosts the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.
A family considering Oakhaven Elementary will find a school with a high-enrollment elementary program, a diverse student body that is overwhelmingly Black and Hispanic, and a housing market that is comparatively affordable. On the academic side, state test scores are lower than those of many other schools in Shelby County, particularly in science, and the school’s overall proficiency is at the lower end of the county’s districts. The strong test participation rate indicates that nearly all enrolled students are being assessed, which provides a full picture of where the school stands. The missing data on free or reduced-price meal eligibility, special education services, and English learner support means a parent should ask the school directly about the support systems in place for students who need them.
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