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, A. B. Hill 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

Navigating Special Needs Education: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Educators
We explore special needs in children, including learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD. We suggest some insights on diagnosis, support strategies, and educational approaches, empowering parents and educators to provide effective assistance to children with special needs.

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.