The top reported proficiency rate is 19% in Science. The lowest is 11% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Vision Preparatory Charter School
Vision Preparatory Charter School is a public charter elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Memphis, Tennessee. It operates as part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district and is classified as a regular school. The school enrolls a moderate number of students for its grade band, with classrooms spanning from early childhood through the upper elementary years.
The student body is almost entirely Black, with a very small share of students identified as Hispanic, white, or two or more races. Data on free or reduced-price meal eligibility, special education status, and English learner designation was not available, leaving those dimensions of the student population unreported. The school’s public charter status means it is publicly funded but operates under a separate governance structure, often with an authorizer that sets performance expectations.
State testing results from the most recent school year show that an modest share of tested students reached proficiency in reading and math on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment. In math, a relatively small portion scored at the proficient or above level. In English language arts, the share was similarly low. Science results were somewhat higher than math and ELA, though still well below the majority. Social studies data came from an earlier school year and involved an assessment change, making direct comparison less reliable. Participation rates on the state tests were high, meaning nearly all enrolled students took the exams.
When placed alongside the other school districts within Shelby County, Vision Preparatory’s overall proficiency across tested subjects falls in the bottom quarter of the comparison set. This is a point a parent may want to explore further with the school, asking about what instructional strategies and supports are in place to raise academic achievement. Because the school does not serve high school grades, no graduation rate is reported, and chronic absenteeism data was also unavailable.
The housing market in the surrounding ZIP code is relatively affordable compared to statewide and national benchmarks, though home values in the area have softened recently. Rental costs are moderate. The neighborhood sits within a broader Memphis landscape that includes significant civic and cultural amenities: the Mississippi River riverfront, large urban parks like Shelby Farms and Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo, Beale Street, FedExForum, and museums such as the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, and the Stax Museum. Public transit is provided by the Memphis Area Transit Authority, whose board members are appointed by the mayor.
A parent considering Vision Preparatory Charter School should weigh its small elementary setting and charter structure against the academic performance data, which is substantially below state averages and the county median. The absence of data on student support programs, discipline, and staffing makes it harder to assess the school’s day-to-day environment. Families may want to visit the school, ask about its curriculum, professional development for teachers, and any supplemental programs such as tutoring or enrichment. The school’s location in Memphis places it within a city with deep cultural resources, though the immediate housing market is on the lower end of the cost spectrum. For a family that values a neighborhood-based charter elementary school and wants to engage directly with leadership about academic improvement efforts, Vision Preparatory may be worth a close look.
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