Get to Know Our Schools

Understanding School Options in the Memphis Area

Families exploring schools in the Memphis area will encounter a variety of public, private, and specialized education options. These options differ in structure, admissions processes, and the types of programs offered. The sections below provide a general overview of how the local school landscape is organized.

Public School Districts

The Memphis area includes several public-school districts, led by Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), which serves more than 106,000 students across over 200 schools. In addition to MSCS, surrounding municipal districts operate independently and maintain their own governance, enrollment policies, and academic programs.

School assignment is typically determined by a student’s residential address. However, many districts offer options that allow students to attend schools outside their zoned area through application processes, lotteries, or optional programs. Procedures and requirements vary by district and may change from year to year.

Students who do not attend their zoned MSCS school may apply to charter schools or participate in lotteries for other public schools within the district.

Memphis-Shelby County Optional and Specialized Programs

Many public-school districts in the Memphis area offer optional and specialized programs that allow students to pursue specific academic interests while completing core curriculum requirements. These programs may emphasize areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEM or STEAM), language immersion, creative and performing arts, or college preparatory studies.

Gifted and Advanced Learning (CLUE Program)

Within MSCS, academically advanced and gifted students may qualify for services through the CLUE program. CLUE is designed to provide enriched instruction and individualized learning opportunities for students demonstrating advanced academic ability. Placement is determined through assessment and district review processes, and services may vary by school.

STEM and STEAM Programs

STEM and STEAM programs are prominent offerings within Memphis area schools. Examples include Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, East High School TSTEM Academy, and Arlington High School. These programs are designed to support student interest in science and technology-focused fields while maintaining a strong academic foundation.

Montessori Schools

Montessori schools follow an educational philosophy that encourages children to explore and interact with their environment at their own pace. Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and developmentally appropriate instruction.

Several Montessori schools operate in the Memphis area, most of which are privately run. Well-known programs include Maria Montessori School, Olivia’s Montessori Preschool, First Class Montessori, and Double Tree Montessori School, which operates within MSCS.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that operate with greater autonomy than traditional public schools. In Memphis, charter schools are authorized and overseen by the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Office of Charter Schools. These schools may differ significantly in curriculum, teaching methods, school schedules, and length of the academic year.

Charter schools do not have attendance zones, and students throughout the area may apply. When applications exceed available space, admission is determined by lottery. Charter school options in Memphis include the Newcomer International Center, Power Center Academy, Memphis School of Excellence, Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory, KIPP Memphis, Freedom Preparatory Academy, and Crosstown High School.

Private and Independent Schools

Private and independent schools in the Memphis area offer additional educational options for families seeking alternative learning environments. These schools are tuition based and may emphasize smaller class sizes, faith-based education, or specialized academic or arts-focused programs.

Unlike public schools, private schools do not receive state funding and are not subject to the same state testing and accountability requirements. Many are represented by organizations such as the Memphis Association of Independent Schools or the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

Tuition varies widely, though financial assistance is available at many institutions.

Schools and Programs for Students with Disabilities

Public and private schools throughout the Mid-South provide educational opportunities and support services for students with disabilities and learning differences. Memphis-Shelby County Schools and municipal districts offer special education services, accommodations, interventions, and supplementary aids at no cost to families.

Early intervention programs are available in districts such as Collierville and Germantown, where preschool programs support children with disabilities in developing foundational academic and social skills before kindergarten.

Private schools serving students with specific learning needs include Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, which supports children from birth to age six, and The Bodine School, which serves students with dyslexia and reading-related differences in grades 1–5. Additional options include Concord Academy of Memphis, Madonna Learning Center, and Libertas School of Memphis.

Regional and Nearby Districts

Some families consider school districts in neighboring municipalities or nearby communities as part of their decision-making process. These districts operate independently from MSCS and maintain their own enrollment policies and program offerings.

DeSoto County Schools (Mississippi)

Located in northwest Mississippi, DeSoto County Schools (DCS) is the largest public school district in the state, serving more than 35,000 students across 42 schools.

Municipal School Districts in Shelby County

Several municipal school districts operate within Shelby County, offering additional public-school options. In some cases, students not zoned for a municipal district may apply for admission, though tuition or eligibility requirements may apply.

• Collierville Schools serves more than 9,000 students across 10 schools and emphasizes STEAM education, technology integration, and civic engagement.
• Arlington Community Schools includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, with a curriculum focused on STEM education, the arts, and early postsecondary opportunities.
• Bartlett City Schools serves more than 9,000 students across 11 schools and offers programs in career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, and advanced academics.
• Germantown Municipal School District serves students across elementary, middle, high school, and online programs, with continued investment in facilities and STEAM initiatives.
• Lakeland School System, Shelby County’s smallest municipal district, serves students in grades K–12 and emphasizes academic growth, music education, and community engagement.
• Millington Municipal Schools serves approximately 2,600 students and offers programs in STEM, health science, coding, visual and performing arts, and Navy JROTC.

How Families Approach School Decisions

When moving to the Memphis area, families often find that choosing a school involves weighing multiple factors rather than identifying a single “best” option. School assignment rules, admissions processes, and program availability vary widely across districts and school types.

Many families begin by learning how school assignment works in their area—whether placement is based on neighborhood zoning, application periods, lotteries, or assessments. From there, families often focus on identifying programs that align with their child’s interests and needs, such as advanced academics, arts programs, language immersion, or learning support services.

Because policies and offerings can change, families typically rely on a combination of official district information, school outreach, and personal priorities when making decisions.

Finding Official, Up-to-Date Information

School policies, enrollment processes, and program availability can change from year to year. For the most current and detailed information, families are encouraged to consult official district and state resources, including: 

• Memphis-Shelby County Schools
  Official district information on enrollment, zoning, optional programs, charter schools, calendars, and policies for schools in Memphis and Shelby County.
• Tennessee Department of Education
  State-level information on education standards, accountability, and public school systems across Tennessee.
• Memphis-Shelby County Schools Office of Charter Schools
  Official information about charter schools authorized through Memphis-Shelby County Schools, including enrollment processes and governance.
• Memphis School Guide
  An independent nonprofit resource designed to help families explore public school options in Memphis, including information about schools, programs, and enrollment processes.
• Chalkbeat Tennessee
  A nonprofit news organization that provides reporting on education systems, policies, and issues at the local and state level.