A major concern we had moving to Memphis was the public school system. Where our son would go to school, as discussed previously, was a major if not the most significant reason for the location we chose to live.
Do your research
We visited discussion boards where people offered their advice for moving to Memphis. There seemed to be a negative consensus that the Memphis city schools (MCS) were filled with crime, drugs and thugs. We were quite discouraged since private schools were not a realistic or desired option for us. Michelle, my wife, did her own research which indicated that the school we had found on the map, Snowden Elementary, ranked high in math and english test scores. We enrolled our son in the school as a kindergartner. It’s been two and half years now and our son continues to blossom as a Snowden scholar.
At Snowden we met many other like-minded transplants that shared a similar story and who were also quite pleased with their choice to give the MCS a chance. In a nutshell, Snowden provides a multifaceted high-level curriculum, strongly involved parents and a disciplined environment that demands the most from its teachers and students. Snowden is a culturally diverse school with a racial demographic comprised of about 80% African American, 15% Caucasian, 5% other (Asian, Hispanic, Indian). We were initially concerned about the near homogeneity of one race which could lead to the minority race being singled or left out. This has never been a problem. The 20% provides a nicely balanced cultural dynamic. As it turns out, our son’s best friend is a wonderful and very gifted African American student. Other great public schools that we have heard of through our conversations with various transplant parents include Peabody Elementary, Idlewild Elementary, Grahamwood Elementary and the Downtown elementary.
Final advice
Do your research and visit the schools. Most importantly, talk to families who were in similar positions as yourself and who have children in the public schools. Beware that you will receive a wide variety of opinions from parents whose children have never been in the MCS system-mostly negative. Don’t let this discourage you in your search – just remember the segregationist history of the South and this will give you a better context for those opinions. You’ll find just the right fit for your family.
Good luck and maybe we’ll see you at Snowden!
What a great posting. Thank you for being a rational and reasonable voice for the Memphis City Schools! Our 21-year-old, who is Phi Beta Kappa and graduating Clemson with a 4.0, was educated in the Memphis City Schools. He took numerous AP courses and scored 4s and 5s on every exam. His 16-year-old brother is a high school junior with a 5.0 GPA. They have experienced a rich diversity of friends and have obtained a strong, solid education.
I’ve been incredibly happy with MCS- I have to add Richland (White Station area) to the list of fabulous elementary schools!
Memphis does have a wealth of educational resources, and I need some assistance in finding one right now… A friend just asked me a question, and I’m stumped. Anyone know of good enrichment camps in town that a rising 10th grader from Germantown High School could attend? Anything in Math or Science? His career aspiration is to be a biologist, but his parents would just like to find something productive for him to do this summer in any related field.
Where did they go to school?