Kirby High School

Please don't make the mistake of sending your child to this school like I did! This school needs to be shut down. Most of the teachers & administration are unprofessional & the students run the school with their bad behavior! This school is a great example of how Memphis City Schools not getting it right & preparing children!
—Submitted by a parent

Posted August 7, 2011

I am very disappointed in Kirby High School. There is no control of the students because and teachers let them do whatever they want to. The police presence before and after school made me feel like I was dropping off and picking my child up from prison instead of high school. My child attended Kirby for one semester and as a concerned parent I am will to take whatever steps are necessary to keep her from returning. My child didn't have behavioral issues so I feel she was passed along based on her conduct. She never had homework and when I attended PTA meetings most of her teachers were very unorganized or should I say surprised because I was the only parent to show up in most of her classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted September 5, 2009

this school has made AYP the last two years with a new principal. The enrollment has increase from 1400 to 1800+..students are now on the waiting list trying to get into the 'new' Kirby High school.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted July 14, 2008

This school had A huge Makeover. the principle is amazing with kids and he is extremely fair, he promotes education and respect, and teaches the kids have respect for themselves. He promotes everything good he is the shiny example of honesty and integrity and Mr. Williams should go down in history for what he is accomplished at this school, I hope he will continue to lead this school, I dont' know what the kids will do without him. This my son's last year and my daughters first year and I am honored to have this man, principle, Father, and powerful figure, as a leader over my kids. I am excited for the up and coming year and I know that it will be great. Antoinette Brittman is a fan of Mr. Reginald Williams, Hats off to the staff they lead by example. To Mr. Williams congradulations for creatng the 'New Kirby'
—Submitted by a parent

Posted September 18, 2006

Kirby was a great school when Mr. Killough was there, I graduated in 2003. I learned so much during my 4 years there, Mr. Caldwell, and Mrs. Linda Davis played an important part in my life during that time. I currently work for the school system and I love my job. These teachers along with many more can be accredited for making sure that we learned not only our Academics but they also taught us about life and how to cope in the real world. I can honestly say that everything that I have accomplished today is because these wonderful teachers took the time to teach there students how to succeed in life. Tasha
—Submitted by Tasha, a former student

Posted November 16, 2004

kirby is a great school the teachers are wonderful and a student i have learned so much from tis school. the staff there has ample oppritunities to excel. now accademcly the scool is great it is that some of the students there make it difficult for some students to achieve. other than that Kirby High School is a good school.
—Submitted by Harpt Devinene, a former student

Posted June 1, 2004

Kirby is a great school. Kirby like any other school gets a bad reputation because of the kids who aren't involved in their education. The same kids who just come to school to start trouble is at every school. And I get angry when I hear people misjudge the teachers at Kirby high. I have been to two previous high schools in Memphis and never have I meet such dedicated teachers until I got to Kirby. But how would you people understand 'Because to understand Kirby you have to had went to Kirby' So if your planning on sending your child to Kirby just make sure their involved in their education a sport, and/or extra-curricular activity and they should do just fine! Congrats c/o 2004 we are and always will be the best!
—Submitted by 4head, a former student

Posted December 4, 2003

I think that Kirby High is a good school to attend. Honestly I feel that this school is no different than any other Memphis City School. Yes, it does lack some things, but what's new? Many people in Memphis often criticize Kirby due to its perceived unsavory reputation. However, to those who hold that perception, there is more to Kirby that meets the eye. People should take a closer look at the community known as Kirby High School. While Kirby may not have a fifty plus year track record like Central or White Station High Schools, Kirby has managed to graduate students and send them to schools as diverse as Princeton University, Rhodes College, Howard University, West Point, and The Air Force Academy.
—Submitted by Dewayne Williams

Posted August 19, 2003

This school has been taken over by the city of Memphis. It lacks a great deal in teacher education & enthusiasm. I attended this school when it first opened it's doors in the early to mid-80's. By the time my nephew arrived in the mid 90's, it was in a very poor state and has never recovered. There were many racial problems that involved 'sit-ins' and such by all students, due to over-crowding, that occured for years. This school is nothing more than a stain. If you have the means, send your child to a more formal, better learning environment, despite color of your skin or location. By now, 2003, I'm sure Kirby has several teachers now trying to 'right' the schools situation, however, parents need to be invovled as well. Good luck. Don't expect much.
—Submitted by a former student

Posted August 12, 2003

i loved my school especailly the football games!!! but to be real, the best time of the year was spirit week. the teachers do care about the student that want to learn. because i still go back and visit from time to time. and dr. jones, who teaches marketing, is the best teacher at that school. i learned so much from her, that it would take all day the write about all the things!!!
—Submitted by a former student

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

Test scores
Ratings details

See results for:

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

Grade level

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 62% in 2012.

294 students were tested at this school in 2012.

Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

2012

n/a

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 66% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

60%

2011

77%

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 23% in 2012.

20 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

30%

2011

n/a

English 3

The state average for English 3 was 2% in 2012.

2012

n/a

English I

The state average for English I was 67% in 2012.

320 students were tested at this school in 2012.

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 19% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

13%

2011

Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 55% in 2012.

108 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

10%

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

263 students were tested at this school in 2012.

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 63% in 2012.

304 students were tested at this school in 2012.

English 3

The state average for English 3 was 10% in 2012.

2012

n/a

English I

The state average for English I was 27% in 2012.

2012

n/a

2011

n/a

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 20% in 2012.

2012

n/a

2011

20%

Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 27% in 2012.

226 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

21%

2011

15%

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 46% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

38%

2011

39%

English 3

The state average for English 3 was 40% in 2012.

298 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

English I

The state average for English I was 21% in 2012.

2012

n/a

U.S. History

The state average for U.S. History was 97% in 2010.

2010

86%

Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2010.

2010

80%

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 24% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

2011

n/a

Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 14% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 34% in 2012.

14 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

21%

2011

13%

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 32% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

33%

2011

n/a

English 3

The state average for English 3 was 17% in 2012.

2012

n/a

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students	66%
African American	66%
Hispanic	63%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	65%
Students with disabilities	80%

Algebra II

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a

Biology I

All Students	60%
African American	57%
Hispanic	69%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	n/a

English 2

All Students	30%
African American	20%
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	28%
Students with disabilities	n/a

English 3

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a

English I

All Students	43%
African American	39%
Hispanic	63%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	5%

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students	13%
African American	13%
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	14%
Students with disabilities	0%

Algebra II

All Students	10%
African American	8%
Hispanic	21%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	9%
Students with disabilities	n/a

Biology I

All Students	32%
African American	33%
Hispanic	27%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	11%

English 2

All Students	35%
African American	33%
Hispanic	48%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	34%
Students with disabilities	3%

English 3

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	n/a

English I

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	n/a

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	n/a

Algebra II

All Students	1%
African American	1%
Hispanic	0%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	1%
Students with disabilities	0%

Biology I

All Students	21%
African American	24%
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disabilities	n/a

English 2

All Students	38%
African American	36%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	43%
Students with disabilities	46%

English 3

All Students	9%
African American	8%
Hispanic	11%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	8%
Students with disabilities	5%

English I

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students	0%
African American	0%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	0%
Students with disabilities	n/a

Algebra II

All Students	2%
African American	0%
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	3%
Students with disabilities	n/a

Biology I

All Students	21%
African American	27%
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a

English 2

All Students	33%
African American	36%
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	40%
Students with disabilities	n/a

English 3

All Students	n/a
African American	n/a
Hispanic	n/a
White	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a

Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.