Serving 693 students in grades 6-8, American Way Middle 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 8% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 8% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 693 students
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: American Way Middle serves the southern part of Memphis, TN, covering an area of approximately 8.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of about 1.9 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 4.9 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
American Way Middle School's student population of 693 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
693 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
41 teachers
School Rankings
American Way Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of American Way Middle School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1661 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
40%
Hispanic
42%
16%
Black
55%
20%
White
1%
57%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.4%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Way Middle School's ranking?
American Way Middle School is ranked #1661 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are American Way Middle School often compared to?
American Way Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like A. Maceo Walker Middle School, Ridgeway Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 8% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend American Way Middle School?
693 students attend American Way Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of American Way Middle School students are Black, 42% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What grades does American Way Middle School offer ?
American Way Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is American Way Middle School part of?
American Way Middle School is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Hi! My name is Joaquin Belloso and i used to go at American way since 6 grade,and i miss everyone and my friends too!
Review American Way Middle 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
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
