Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

Memphis, TN 38111

Phone: (901) 416-4536
Fax: (901) 416-4539
District: Shelby County Schools

9

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 439 students

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, a public school located in Memphis, TN, serves grades 6-8 in the Shelby County Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is a public school located in Memphis, TN. 439 students attend Maxine Smith STEAM Academy.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 10/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2024 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) data from Tennessee Department of Education, and using 2024 Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) data from Tennessee Department of Education.
Student Growth 7/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from Tennessee Department of Education, and using 2024 Student Growth - ACT data from Tennessee Department of Education.

Posted: December 18, 2023

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Posted: December 18, 2023

Very special school very academically driven and diverse love it here

Posted: October 17, 2023

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Posted: May 25, 2021

The school is largely test score based, which is highly stressful, even to students who typically gets in the 90th percentile. The school doesn't handle mental health well unless you randomly break in the middle of school. The classes are fun, but a lot of the teachers aren't the best. Also, the new addition of a study hall would've been good, however, they treat it moreover as a time for students to do iready than to catch up on recent work or study. Can I say that these problems wouldn't have happened in another school? No, but I would've expected more from this one, since it emphasizes how good of a school it is.

Posted: May 25, 2021

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Posted: October 29, 2018

The teachers at MSSA are amazing. Although everyone has their flaws, for the most part everyone is helpful and interesting.

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

There are so many leaders at STEAM and it isn't just the oldest students and teachers. There is a different leadership opportunity for each grade and the administrator in charge of it is always encouraging gives great opportunities.

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

I'm an eighth grader at this school, and I love it here. I first came here in 7th grade so I was brand new and I only knew about 5 people. At first I was completely lost but everyone was very warm and welcoming and I made friends quickly. The school gives amazing opportunities. I never would have imagined taking the ACT at only 12. Although sometimes some administrators can get too caught up in the statistics and scores, we're one big loving family. I have had such an amazing experience here at STEAM and I am so sad that I have to leave for high school next year after being here, I don't think anything can compare!

Posted: October 29, 2018

For the most part, there isn't much homework. Most of the teachers are aware that they aren't the only ones giving homework and they will often work together to make sure the students aren't getting too much at once.

Posted: August 29, 2018

The give us not to much but just enough on the right subjects

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Great so far, the teachers are sweet and smart and all the students have been nice so far.

Posted: January 7, 2017

Absolutely not. As a student, I've gotten punched many times. And for no reason! Yes, I've told people (at the school). Do they care? No. I've never gotten an S in conduct, always E's. I behave the way I'm suppose to mostly. Here's the thing, if someone throws a puch or kick at you, you can't defend yourself or else you'll get in trouble, most likely more than the one who started it. Also to add, I've seen kids with pocket knives around the school. Anyway, don't trust that. The high schoolers constantly bully me too for some reason. I'm not good looking or exceptionally smarter than everyone there, but I'm not dumb. Here's the thing, be nice to them back and they'll get bored of you (unless they're physically harming you).

Posted: January 7, 2017

Definitely not. And, in saying this, it's not the teachers mostly. It's the whole system. Then again, it is a school for the advanced so you have to learn to adapt. As a student, I'm average in everything but Science, that's where I'm best. I learn at a fast pace, but it's hard to stay focused because it's always so uptight in the school and anxiety. They won't slow down for you at all. If you need extra help, they offer tutoring in most subjects. The hardest grade for me was probably 6th grade.

Posted: January 7, 2017

Well, as a current student there, I don't believe they focus on our personality as much as education. As I've stated repeatedly, the education system is stronger than focusing on how much stress is put on the student. When I first went to STEAM in 6th grade, I was constantly told my best wasn't good enough and I felt like quitting. Now, I've improved greatly.

Posted: January 7, 2017

All of them are wonderfully nice and aren't intimidating. Most of them are very fun-loving and you can talk to them anytime about anything, but care about you enough to be strict. Sometimes, I do feel they give too much homework though. Some of them could keep a better eye on the students (there have been some fist fights that have gone un-noticed). As well as we've had many encounters with some of them being sexist. But, over all they're good.

Posted: January 7, 2017

There is waaaaay too much homework for the 6th graders. It starts to slow down in 7th though. In 8th, it's a mix of both. This didn't help my anxiety.

Posted: January 7, 2017

I am a current student at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, about to go into 8th grade. My experiences at STEAM have been... interesting. First off, the best thing about STEAM is its education. Though, that seems to be all they care about. Don't get me wrong, the majority of the teachers are wonderful, but the system doesn't focus enough on how much pressure is going on the kids. We try our best to remain top in the county/state. As well as we have good sports teams. The kids here are mostly alright. There have been one or two fist fights though. The teachers don't seem to keep the best eye on us. STEAM is a great school to go to if your child works well under pressure and stress, as well as wants a good education. (We are currently, in science, learning high school biology)

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

Posted: November 14, 2016

the teacher is very helpful in helping kids learn new thing and also helping them succeed in life

Posted: January 26, 2016

This school is all about the scores and not about the kids. Teachers make kids feel inadequate if they have trouble, like they are the only one.

Posted: May 8, 2015

As a student I say that Maxine Smith is an amazing place to expand your knowledge. The staff and teachers are great and are amazing role models.

Posted: April 18, 2015

There is no greater place to teach or learn for middle school students in Memphis. The administration and staff are approachable and knowledgeable. The community of parents work hard to ensure that students are happy and have the tools necessary to be successful.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Harbor Town Neighborhood/Subdivision Memphis TN 6 mi
2 Oak Forest Neighborhood/Subdivision Memphis TN 8.6 mi
3 Daybreak Neighborhood/Subdivision Memphis TN 8.8 mi
4 Rivercrest Neighborhood/Subdivision Memphis TN 10.9 mi
5 Country Meadows Neighborhood/Subdivision Bartlett TN 10.9 mi
6 Oakwood Subdivision Neighborhood/Subdivision Lakeland TN 15.1 mi
7 Templeton Farms Neighborhood/Subdivision Atoka TN 21.6 mi
8 Blaydes Estates Neighborhood/Subdivision Atoka TN 21.9 mi
9 Glenview Estates Neighborhood/Subdivision Munford TN 23.8 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Midtown Memphis Memphis TN 3.1 mi
2 Bartlett Bartlett TN 6.8 mi
3 Cordova Memphis TN 9.9 mi
4 Lakeland Lakeland TN 13.9 mi
5 Millington Millington TN 14.8 mi
6 Arlington Arlington TN 18.8 mi
7 Desoto County Hernando MS 21.3 mi
8 Atoka Atoka TN 23.6 mi
Base Distance
Tennessee National Guard Memphis 4.7 mi.
NSA Mid South 15.2 mi.
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