In its first year as an Innovative School District, University Schools is celebrating its continued tradition of academic success, as seen in the recently published scores from the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) for the 2024-25 academic year. With scores significantly outperforming state averages, University Schools ranked second in student success rate among 148 districts statewide.
“As the state’s newest school district, these results demonstrate the type of investment we are making in our community and the significant impact a University Schools education can have on a student’s success,” said Dr. Sally Parish, vice provost and director of schools for University Schools at the University of Memphis. “We look forward to continuing to scale this impact locally, to serve more students in a model that is proven to help all students achieve their personal best.”
“These results are a testament to the intentional, student-centered work happening in our classrooms every day.”
– Dr. Lee-Ann Kight, University Schools Chief Academic Officer
Across all subjects, 72% of University Schools students achieved “Met” or “Exceeded” on the TNReady and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, University Schools students in third to eighth grade scored:
- 74.1% in English Language Arts – 99th percentile/35 points above the state average and first in the state in grades 3-8
- 67.6% in Math – 96th percentile/25 points above the state average and seventh in the state in grades 3-8
- 78.8% in Science – 99th percentile/32 points above the state average and first in the state in grades 3-8
- 81.1% in Social Studies – 99th percentile/32 points above the state average and second in the state in grades 3-8
“These results are a testament to the intentional, student-centered work happening in our classrooms every day,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kight, chief academic officer for University Schools. “Our educators and leaders are deeply committed to high-quality instruction and continuous improvement, and our students continue to rise to the challenge. While we celebrate this success, we remain focused on refining our practices to ensure that every learner grows and thrives.”
These achievements cap a milestone year for University Schools. Following the passage of the Innovative School District Act (SB2557 / HB2678), which established University Schools as the state’s first Innovative School District and a standalone local education agency (LEA), the district expanded its capacity through the addition of Campus School Kimball and is set to offer 12th grade at University High in the upcoming school year. Students from all local zip codes attend University Schools, and there is no academic requirement for entry.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
