Education: What can we learn from the growth of math proficiency in Memphis charter schools?

Immediate Answer: Memphis charter schools have posted strong post-pandemic math gains, with reported proficiency rising about 22 percentage points over four testing years and nearly one in four students meeting state standards by 2025. The story matters because it highlights possible recovery strategies, ongoing equity questions, and practical lessons for families, educators, and communities.

What Happened:

The educational landscape in Memphis, Tennessee, is currently witnessing a notable shift in academic achievement, specifically within the city’s charter school sector. According to recent data highlighted by Chalkbeat, math proficiency rates among students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) charter schools have risen dramatically since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last four testing years, these rates have climbed by approximately 22 percentage points.

By the 2025 testing cycle, nearly 25% of students enrolled in these charter schools scored at or above the proficient level on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) math exams. While an absolute proficiency rate of one in four students indicates there is still a long road ahead, the rate of improvement is what has captured the attention of educators and policymakers alike. This "skyrocketing" growth, as some observers have termed it, far exceeds the recovery pace seen in many traditional, district-run schools within the same geographic area.

The data suggests that charter schools in Memphis have been particularly effective at implementing post-pandemic learning recovery strategies. These schools often have the flexibility to adjust their curricula, extend learning time, or implement specific math interventions that target individual student needs. This agility appears to have paid off, as charter students are now modestly outperforming their peers in traditional schools in terms of math proficiency gains during this specific recovery window.

Both Sides:

The conversation surrounding the success of Memphis charter schools is multifaceted, reflecting a long-standing national debate over the role of school choice and public education funding.

Proponents of charter schools argue that these results prove the model works. They point to the flexibility of charters: often free from some of the bureaucratic constraints of large school districts: as the primary reason they were able to pivot so quickly after the pandemic. Supporters suggest that the autonomy to hire specialized math coaches, implement longer school days, and foster a high-expectations culture has directly translated into the 22-point gain seen in the TCAP scores. For these advocates, the Memphis data is a clear signal that expanding school choice provides a necessary lifeline for students in underserved communities.

Conversely, critics and traditional public school advocates urge caution in interpreting these numbers. They often highlight that traditional district-run schools often serve a higher concentration of students with the most significant challenges, including those with severe disabilities or those who are in the middle of housing transitions. Some argue that if charter schools have even slightly different student demographics or different levels of parental involvement, the "outperformance" might not be a fair apples-to-apples comparison. Additionally, there is the ongoing concern that the expansion of charters diverts essential funding away from the traditional schools that still serve the vast majority of the city’s children.

Why It Matters:

This development matters deeply because education is the bedrock of community health and future economic stability. In a city like Memphis, which has faced significant economic and social hurdles, the ability of children to master foundational skills like mathematics is a direct predictor of their future success in the workforce and in life. When students gain proficiency, their confidence grows, their opportunities expand, and the entire community benefits from a more skilled and empowered next generation.

Furthermore, the success of these schools provides a sense of hope and a "proof of concept" for other educators. It demonstrates that learning loss is not a permanent sentence. Even after a global crisis that disrupted every facet of the classroom, significant growth is possible. For parents who may feel overwhelmed by news of falling test scores and educational decline, these statistics offer a reason to breathe again. They show that with the right focus and a commitment to excellence, the trend lines can move upward.

The growth also highlights the importance of supporting our educators. Whether in a charter or a traditional school, the teachers on the front lines are the ones doing the hard work of instruction. Recognizing where success is happening allows the community to identify best practices that could potentially be scaled to help all students, regardless of the type of school they attend.

What We Learned From These Events:

One clear lesson is that focused intervention can make a measurable difference. The reported gains suggest that when schools concentrate on core skills, track student progress closely, and respond quickly when students fall behind, recovery is possible even after major disruption.

A second lesson is that flexibility matters. Charter supporters often point to autonomy in scheduling, staffing, and curriculum decisions as a major factor. Even those who remain cautious about charter expansion can still recognize that schools need room to address local needs with speed and clarity.

A third lesson is that raw improvement numbers should be read with care. Growth is encouraging, but long-term success will depend on whether these gains continue, whether more students reach full proficiency, and whether strong practices can help children across all school settings.

For families, this story is also a reminder to stay engaged. School improvement is strongest when teachers, parents, leaders, and communities work together. Test scores do not tell the whole story, but they can help show where support is working and where more help is still needed.

Biblical Perspective:

From a biblical standpoint, the pursuit of knowledge and the growth of the next generation are sacred tasks. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." In a modern context, "getting understanding" includes the mastery of the skills required to navigate and steward our world, including mathematics. When we see students gaining proficiency, we are seeing the fruit of an investment in their God-given potential.

The story of Memphis’s math growth is also a story of perseverance. The pandemic was an unfavorable season for many, yet these schools and students did not give up. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The reported rise in math scores reflects years of steady, persistent work by students and teachers who refused to let disruption define the future.

As Christians, we are called to seek the peace and wholeness of our cities. Supporting the education of our youth is a vital part of that calling. When schools improve, children are served with greater dignity, hope, and opportunity. This kind of progress should move us to pray, encourage, and support what truly helps families flourish.

What To Watch:

As we look toward the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, several key factors will determine if this growth is sustainable. First, we must watch for the state’s continued implementation of the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding model, which may shift how resources are allocated to both charter and traditional schools.

Second, the long-term impact of teacher retention will be critical. The reported growth in math was fueled by dedicated instructors, and maintaining momentum will require continued support for high-quality educators in the Memphis area.

Finally, keep an eye on how traditional schools respond to these charter gains. If the district can successfully adopt some of the intervention strategies that worked for charters, broader academic recovery across Memphis-Shelby County Schools may follow.

Mandatory CTA:

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Sources:

• Chalkbeat Tennessee: "Memphis charter math proficiency skyrockets since pandemic"

• TN Firefly: "Memphis-Shelby County charter schools outperforming noncharters"

• Tennessee Department of Education: TCAP Results Archive

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