The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in Math. The lowest is 11% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Promise Academy
Promise Academy in Memphis is a public charter elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It operates under the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, which is the state’s largest, but as a charter it has its own governance. The school’s enrollment is modest for its grade band, and the student body is overwhelmingly Black, with a smaller share of Hispanic students and a very small number of white students. The share of students from low-income households and those receiving special education or English learner services was not reported, so a parent would want to ask the school directly about the level of support available for those populations.
On state assessments, which test students in grades three through five, performance was uneven. In math, a share of students met the proficiency benchmark that was higher than in other subjects, though still below the county and state averages. In reading and English language arts, as well as in science, the proportion reaching proficiency was lower. The most recent social studies scores are from several years ago and are less reliable for comparison because the test changed. Taken together, the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades placed it in the bottom quarter when compared with districts across Shelby County. For a school serving only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data was not available.
Because Promise Academy is a charter school, it has some flexibility in curriculum and staffing, but the data provided does not indicate what specific programs or approaches it uses. A parent may want to visit or contact the school to learn about its instructional focus, after-school offerings, and how it supports students who need extra help.
The school is located in Memphis, a city with a strong set of public amenities that are publicly reported. Tom Lee Park, a downtown riverfront park, underwent a major renovation in recent years and now has ballcourts, trails, and bike stands. Shelby Farms Park in East Memphis is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and Overton Park houses the Memphis Zoo and is near Rhodes College. Beale Street remains a cultural anchor, and the city is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum. The Memphis Area Transit Authority provides bus service, with board members appointed by the mayor.
The housing market in the school’s zip code is considerably more affordable than the state and national medians. Home values there have declined over the past year, while rents have risen, suggesting shifting demand. The typical monthly mortgage payment is lower than the typical rent, which may matter for families weighing whether to buy or rent. The broader economic context shows a national unemployment rate that has been stable and a median household income that has been rising gradually.
For a family considering Promise Academy, the picture is one of a small elementary charter serving a predominantly Black student body in a lower-cost part of a midsized city with rich cultural and recreational assets. Academic performance on state tests is below the county average, particularly in reading and science. Without data on support services or programs, the best next step is to visit the school and talk with staff about how they address these academic gaps and what enrichment opportunities exist.
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