The top reported proficiency rate is 18% in Science. The lowest is 8% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on South Park Elementary
South Park Elementary is a regular public school in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school draws its student body from the greater Memphis area, a major city defined geographically by the Mississippi River and rich with cultural landmarks including the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, and Beale Street. Tom Lee Park, Shelby Farms Park, and Overton Park are among the city’s large public recreation spaces.
The student population is predominantly Hispanic and Black, with a small number of white students and those identifying as two or more races. The school operates as a neighborhood elementary school with no charter status. Information on the share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, and English learners was not available in the data provided. A parent may want to ask the school directly about these support programs.
On Tennessee’s state assessments, South Park Elementary’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it in the bottom quartile of schools relative to districts in Shelby County. The school’s proficiency index, which averages rates across tested subjects, is well below the county median. In math, about one in ten students scored at or above the proficient level. In English language arts, roughly one in six students met that benchmark, while in science the rate was slightly higher, with fewer than one in five students scoring proficient. Social studies data is from an older assessment year that is not directly comparable to current results. Testing participation was very high, with nearly all enrolled students taking the tests, which means the results reflect the full student body rather than a selective group. The school served grades that are tested, so the low proficiency rates are a clear signal of the academic challenges present.
Given that South Park Elementary only goes through fifth grade, there is no high school graduation rate to report. The school does not serve grades where that outcome is measured.
Housing in the zip code area around the school is notably more affordable than both state and national benchmarks. Home values and rental costs have seen a small decline recently. A typical household in the area would face an estimated rent burden that is somewhat above the common threshold of one-fifth of income for housing, and the estimated monthly mortgage payment is moderately higher than the typical rent. This suggests that renting may be more accessible financially than buying a home in this particular corner of the Memphis market.
For a family considering South Park Elementary, the picture is straightforward. The school serves a diverse, high-needs student body in an urban setting with deep cultural and civic amenities nearby. Academic proficiency on state tests is low across all measured subjects. A parent should expect to investigate what academic interventions, tutoring, or enrichment opportunities the school offers to support student growth. The absence of data on special education and English learner enrollment makes it difficult to assess the scope of those support systems from the outside. For families who prioritize a walkable, resource-rich urban environment and are prepared to be actively engaged in their child’s academic progress, this school represents a particular starting point, not a destination of high measured performance.
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