Serving 494 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 26% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (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.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 494 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in TN
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School's student population of 494 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
494 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Rankings
Bess T Shepherd 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 Bess T Shepherd Elementary School is 0.66, which is more 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
#1253 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
33%
15%
Black
47%
21%
White
11%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
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 Bess T Shepherd Elementary School's ranking?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School is ranked #1253 out of 1,761 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?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% 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?
494 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, 33% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bess T Shepherd Elementary School?
Bess T Shepherd Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
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.
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