Serving 546 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bess T Shepherd 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 24% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 546 students
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bess T Shepherd Elementary serves the southern part of Chattanooga, TN, covering an area of approximately 13.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 4.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School's student population of 546 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
546 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
35 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. View full 20-year historical data
School Rankings
Bess T Shepherd Elementary 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 Bess T Shepherd Elementary School is 0.66, which is more 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
#1331 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
37%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%
Asian
2%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Hispanic
34%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Black
47%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
White
9%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 11-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.9%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bess T Shepherd Elementary School's ranking?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School is ranked #1331 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Bess T Shepherd Elementary School often compared to?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East Brainerd Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Bess T Shepherd Elementary School?
546 students attend Bess T Shepherd Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Bess T Shepherd Elementary School students are Black, 34% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What grades does Bess T Shepherd Elementary School offer ?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bess T Shepherd Elementary School part of?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School is part of Hamilton County School District.
School Reviews
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