Summary:
The 36360 zip code area has only one middle school, D.A. Smith Middle School, which is part of the Ozark City District. This school has faced academic performance challenges, with proficiency rates consistently below the district and state averages across multiple subjects and grade levels. Additionally, the school serves a predominantly low-income student population, with 64.98% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch.
D.A. Smith Middle School's statewide ranking has fluctuated in recent years, ranging from 220 out of 442 middle schools in 2023-2024 to 295 out of 439 in 2024-2025. This instability in the school's performance and ranking may be a concern for parents and the community. The school's chronic absenteeism rate of 14.8% for the 2023-2024 school year is also a potential area of focus for improvement efforts.
Given the academic performance issues and the school's low ranking within the Ozark City District, there may be a need for targeted interventions and support to improve the educational experience and outcomes for the students at D.A. Smith Middle School. This could include implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, providing additional support for struggling students, and addressing any underlying factors that may be contributing to the school's challenges.
Thank you for your feedback!