Serving 260 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Alton Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Alton Elementary School's student population of 260 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
260 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Rankings
Alton Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,761 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Alton Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1728 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
15%
Black
98%
21%
White
n/a
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alton Elementary School's ranking?
Alton Elementary School is ranked #1728 out of 1,761 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Alton Elementary School often compared to?
Alton Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Alcy Elementary School, Altruria Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Alton Elementary School?
260 students attend Alton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Alton Elementary School students are Black, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Alton Elementary School?
Alton Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Alton Elementary School offer ?
Alton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Alton Elementary School part of?
Alton Elementary School is part of Shelby County School District.
In what neighborhood is Alton Elementary School located?
Alton Elementary School is located in the South Memphis neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 11 other public schools located in South Memphis.
School Reviews
Review Alton Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.