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GreatSchools Rating

Downtown Elementary School

Public | PK-6 | 670 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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Parent involvement

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013

Our son Joshua is in the Pre-K program at Downtown Elementary. I have to admit I was somewhat unsure about it initially, but since I work in downtown Memphis and the idea of him being close, his first year of school, it outweighed any of my concerns. I have to say I really have come to love the school, especially his teacher Mrs. Finlayson. We LOVE HER!!!! And sort of saddened by the idea that we will soon be saying goodbye to her and he will be moving on. I think she is a GREAT teacher and was the PERFECT fit for our son and his first year attending school. We will certainly miss her
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2010

I never thought I would feel compelled to write another review about this school. I jumped in with both feet since my son started here in kindergarten. I was a tutor in the volunteer tutoring program, volunteered in my son's classroom when needed and went on many of the really great field trips. Unfortunately, this year I was involved in a situation with a child and parent, received absolutely no support from the school personnel and was basically hung out to dry. I am removing my son from the school this year. I will recommend this school with one caveat; WATCH YOUR BACK.
—Submitted by Elizabeth, a parent


Posted July 28, 2008

Despite the Great School rating, Downtown Elementary is a great school. It is a unique jewel in the system that takes advantage of its location to use the downtown area as a interactive classroom. It is both academically challenging for my three sons who attend the school and socially rewarding. My oldest son just returned from an elite summer program at Northwestern University for gifted students. He excelled along with other private school students because of the learning skills achieved at Downtown Elementary. The test scores are skewed by a certain percentage of the students who come from economically impoverished backgrounds. The school has two tracks for students, gifted and traditional. The beauty of this school is that it seeks to educate all children at their skill level. Visit Downtown Elementary and you will see that it is a 10.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2007

Downtown Elementary School is one of the best inner-city public schools in the South. The Memphis business community brings recruits here to show off top-of-the-line facilities and staff. For this reason, they invest in the school, so it is funded beyond the public allotment for such things as a science lab, music program, computer lab, and play/gym equipment. Parents are very involved and help make the school a success along with the incredible staff led by the most dedicated principal. Diversity is reflected as the children of the international medical community bring many cultures to the classroom. This school pulls from the wealthiest and poorest sections of Memphis representing the district, and as an optional/CLUE school reaches accross the city to bring in the brightest. These varied perspectives make learning a real world experience that teaches values far beyond the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 27, 2006

My children love to learn at this school. They are taught to read in Kindergarten. The teachers are excellent. Afterschool activities include chess, dance, art, swimming, guitar, piano and acting. My children love the art and dance classes.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2005

Well run school. good leadership from Principle down to excellent control in the classroom. Modern facilities. Spacious classrooms. Good communication with parents. Parents know exactly what work is being covered every 6 weeks. Parents actively encouraged to participate in school life. Very happy with my choice of school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 21, 2005

After being involved in another Memphis school, my family is very pleased with Downtown Elementary. The teachers are enthusiastic and very competent. Downtown Elementary offers excellent after-school enrichment programs, in which my children participate. We have also found the student population to be diverse, with children of different nationalities represented in the student body. Parents seem to be very supportive of the school and the school's programs, and I have seen a great deal of parent interest in what and how the children are learning.
—Submitted by a parent


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.

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

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
46%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 46% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
38%
Science

The state average for Science was 67% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
60%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
21%

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
24%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
31%

2010

 
 
40%
Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
24%

2011

 
 
23%

2010

 
 
22%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 54% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
30%

2010

 
 
24%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 57% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
40%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
30%

2010

 
 
30%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
29%

2011

 
 
17%

2010

 
 
22%
Reading/Language Arts

The state average for Reading/Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
53%

2011

 
 
34%

2010

 
 
45%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
22%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students55%
African American53%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged49%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Reading/Language Arts

All Students42%
African American38%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged34%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Science

All Students65%
African American63%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged59%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students21%
African American18%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged13%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Reading/Language Arts

All Students39%
African American36%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged32%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Science

All Students24%
African American21%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged15%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students44%
African American41%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged39%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Reading/Language Arts

All Students38%
African American35%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged36%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Science

All Students39%
African American35%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged36%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Math

All Students29%
African American28%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Reading/Language Arts

All Students53%
African American55%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Science

All Students42%
African American40%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged36%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading/language arts, math and science. The TCAP is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

English 2

The state average for English 2 was 50% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

English 2

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
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.

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.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 90% 25%
White 7% 68%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Hispanic 0% 5%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 55%N/A50%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

10 North Fourth St
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 416-8400

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