The top reported proficiency rate is 19% in Science. The lowest is 11% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Hickory Ridge Middle
Hickory Ridge Middle, a regular public school in Memphis serving grades six through eight, sits within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district. The school operates in a large urban district with the resources and challenges that come with that scale. The student body reflects the surrounding community, with a large majority of students identifying as Black and a substantial share as Hispanic, with small numbers of students of other races. The school has an enrollment corresponding to its middle school grade band.
On Tennessee’s state assessments, known as TNReady, student proficiency rates are very low across all tested subjects. In math, roughly one in nine students scored at the proficient level or above. In English language arts, the rate is similar. In science, the figure is modestly higher, reaching nearly one in five, and in social studies, the share is similar. Comparing the school’s performance across all tested subjects to other middle schools in the district, and to other districts within Shelby County, overall proficiency is below the midpoint, placing in the lowest quarter among those compared. These state test results show that a large majority of students are performing below the state’s academic standards. Any parent considering Hickory Ridge Middle will want to understand what academic supports the school provides and what the school’s improvement plan looks like, as the proficiency data points to significant challenges in core academics.
Participation rates on the assessments are high, above nine in ten in every subject, which means the results offer a comprehensive picture of student performance. Some data points that are often available for schools are not present here. Information on how many students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, how many receive special education services, and how many are English learners is not available from the data.
The city of Memphis provides the surrounding context. Tom Lee Park, a downtown riverfront park, underwent a large renovation in 2023. 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 remains a civic and cultural anchor. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides public bus service across the city, with board members appointed by the mayor. The Mississippi River is a defining geographic feature. FedExForum is home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. Cultural landmarks include the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
The school’s performance data was available across multiple subjects, so that is the picture. Information on course offerings, discipline, staffing ratios, attendance, and program availability—such as whether the school offers arts, music, athletics, or other extracurriculars—was not found in the data. A parent or guardian planning for a child to attend Hickory Ridge Middle would need to follow up directly with the school to understand the full academic and social environment, including any special programs, intervention supports, and the school’s approach to instruction and discipline. The housing market in the immediate area shows home values and rents below both state and national benchmarks, making this a more affordable part of the Memphis metro area. Whether that aligns with a family’s needs is a personal decision, but the affordability is clear.
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