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Education in Memphis is trending up, with the latest figures showing Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) achieving an 84.4 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2025, as stated by the Tennessee Department of Education. This marks the fourth year of consecutive improvement for the district and a clear one-point climb over the previous year's achievements, signaling that MSCS students are taking full advantage of the resources provided to them, resources aimed at fostering success. The strides made by MSCS are even more notable against the backdrop of some larger Tennessee districts, which have seen declines, Metro Nashville Public Schools have dropped to 83.6 percent and Knox County Schools fell slightly to 92 percent, meanwhile, MSCS has fortified its commitment to advancing the '5 A's' strategy, encompassing Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, and the Arts—essentially a framework set to ensure that students emerge from their education ready and resilient, as emphasized by Dr. Roderick Richmond, the district's Interim Superintendent who was quoted saying, "For four years in a row, our students have shown what progress looks like when expectation meets belief." In a comprehensive win, the State of Tennessee's overall graduation rate has also seen a rise, now resting at 92.3 percent and marking the third straight year of statewide gains, with more than 69,000 seniors graduating last spring. In the MSCS, major student groups have all registered an increase in graduation rates, with students with disabilities making remarkable leaps, their state graduation rate jumping 8.4 points, and their federal graduation rate by 10.1 points, showcasing inclusivity in academic success. Twelve schools in particular within MSCS are doing exceptionally well, shooting up their graduation rates by at least one percentage point—schools like Trezevant High and Invictus Academy at Airways lead with double-digit increases on state or federal measures; Andrea Talley, Principal at Melrose High praised the efforts with a statement, "At Melrose, excellence is not an accident; it is our inheritance," reflecting the attitude of success seen across MSCS schools. Not to be outdone, five schools within MSCS achieved the coveted 100 percent graduation rate, which includes Hollis F. Price Middle College, where the Principal, Dr. Sandra Barnes remarked, "This success is possible because our students embrace high expectations, our teachers inspire with purpose, and our families and partners stand beside us," a sentiment that captures the rigorous educational ethos prevalent in the MSCS community. In spite of their economic and social hurdles, the students' growth reflects their ability to harness opportunity as emphasized by Dr. Richmond, who acknowledged the district's focused approach towards academic acceleration and supports for student success. Looking toward the future, MSCS aims to maintain its momentum by increasing academic support and reinforcing family engagement. Evidently, MSCS is striving to ensure every graduate marches on from high school prepared for the broader avenues of life—a mission deeply ingrained in the way they operate. Additional details on State, District, and School graduation rates can be found on the TDOE data download page.
