For the second year in a row, Memphis-Shelby County Schools increased its graduation rates. The graduation rate rose from 80.1% to 81.5% year over year, according to data released Monday, Nov. 20, by the Tennessee Department of Education.

“We commend our educators, students, and families for their hard work and we are proud of the gains we continue to see in our graduation rates,” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams. “We remain committed to equipping our scholars with the tools they need to ‘see the future’ and succeed.”

The cohort graduation rate tracks students who graduate on time with their classmates. Additionally, students in multiple subgroups, including economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities, earned a higher graduation rate in 2022-23 as compared to 2021-22. The state graduation rate also improved year over year from 89.8% to 90.6%.

MSCS employs several strategies to help high schoolers succeed. One key initiative is Project Graduation, which allows students to earn course recovery or elective credits in the evenings, after their traditional school day ends.With the help of federal stimulus dollars, the District has also expanded its tutoring program and clerical support to high schools to better monitor student progress toward graduation. Additionally, this school year, MSCS allocated funding to hire a graduation coach for every high school.

Standout Schools

A total of 21 schools increased their state graduation rate by at least one percentage point from 2021-2022 to 2022-23. Craigmont, Hamilton, and Manassas increased their graduation rates by double digits. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate this double-digit gain. At Craigmont, we have a dynamic graduation team that is dedicated to keeping our students on track,” said Craigmont Principal Tisha Durrah.

Two schools, City University School of Independence and Hollis F. Price, had graduation rates of 100% for 2022-23. A total of 14 schools had graduation rates of 90% or higher.

“With our district’s graduation rates continuing to rise, we can confidently say that we’re not just shaping minds but also creating paths for students to ‘see the future’ filled with opportunities,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Angela Whitelaw.