Serving 319 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Smithson Craighead Academy 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 319 students
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Smithson Craighead Academy's student population of 319 students has grown by 47% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
319 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 22-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
24 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. View full 20-year historical data
School Rankings
Smithson Craighead Academy 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 Smithson Craighead Academy is 0.60, 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
#1304 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
40%
Hispanic
49%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 18-year historical data
Black
40%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 20-year historical data
White
8%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 20-year historical data
Two or more races
3%
5%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 14-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 20-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.9%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
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 Smithson Craighead Academy's ranking?
Smithson Craighead Academy is ranked #1304 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Smithson Craighead Academy often compared to?
Smithson Craighead Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Ruby Major Elementary School, Stanford Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
How many students attend Smithson Craighead Academy?
319 students attend Smithson Craighead Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Smithson Craighead Academy students are Hispanic, 40% of students are Black, 8% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does Smithson Craighead Academy offer ?
Smithson Craighead Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smithson Craighead Academy part of?
Smithson Craighead Academy is part of Davidson County School District.
In what neighborhood is Smithson Craighead Academy located?
Smithson Craighead Academy is located in the Neelys Bend neighborhood of Madison, TN. There are 1 other public schools located in Neelys Bend.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school was a reward school and had been making lots of progress. The data is not very accurate. I hope it is updated soon because; it is a good school.
5 10/10/2025
I'm impressed! The entire staff dedicate a lot of hours to make things come together for the students. If it's not the entire staff, you can't tell. So far my family has found the staff listens when there are concerns. Staff work with you to find the best solution for your child. I appreciate their efforts. Although the population is majority Hispanic & black, my child is welcomed and loves it. Plus, enjoys learning some Spanish.
Review Smithson Craighead Academy. 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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
