Booker T Washington High School is a public secondary school located north of Downtown Memphis, on the southside of Memphis, Tennessee, United States. The school was administered by the Memphis City Schools system, until the beginning of the 2013-14 year, it was served by the Shelby County Schools district.
Serving 454 students in grades 6-12, B. T. Washington High 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 7% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 4% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 454 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
B. T. Washington High School's student population of 454 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
454 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Year Founded
1926
School Rankings
B. T. Washington High 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 B. T. Washington High 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
#1755 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)7%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
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
Graduation Rate
(22-23)75-79%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warrior
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B. T. Washington High School's ranking?
B. T. Washington High School is ranked #1755 out of 1,761 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 4% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of B. T. Washington High School?
The graduation rate of B. T. Washington High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend B. T. Washington High School?
454 students attend B. T. Washington High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of B. T. Washington High 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 B. T. Washington High School?
B. T. Washington High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does B. T. Washington High School offer ?
B. T. Washington High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is B. T. Washington High School part of?
B. T. Washington High School is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is B. T. Washington High School located?
B. T. Washington High School is located in the New Pathways neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 3 other public schools located in New Pathways.
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