Summary:
The Batesville School District in Batesville, Arkansas, serves approximately 3,513 students across five schools—one high school, one junior high, and three elementary schools—and is rated as a 3-star district, ranking in the 58th percentile statewide.
Among the elementary schools, Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School stands out as the district's academic star, earning a 4-star rating with exceptional test scores—such as 71.1% proficiency in Mathematics, far above the state average—and the lowest free/reduced lunch rate at 45.05%. In contrast, West Magnet Elementary School is the lowest-performing school, with a consistent 2-star rating and the highest economic disadvantage rate at 81.64%, highlighting a significant achievement gap within the district. Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School falls in between, performing above average. At the secondary level, Batesville Junior High School Charter shows a notable strength in Algebra, with 90.7% of 8th graders proficient, though its overall scores in other subjects lag behind state averages. Batesville High School Charter is a bright spot for equity, maintaining a strong 94.7% graduation rate and a very low 0.5% dropout rate despite a 60.24% free/reduced lunch rate.
Key takeaways for parents include the wide variation in school performance despite the "Magnet" label shared by all three elementary schools, and the clear link between economic disadvantage and academic outcomes. Spending per student also varies, with Sulphur Rock spending the most at $17,408 per student, while West Magnet spends $11,809 but still struggles. The junior high's below-average proficiency in core subjects presents a pipeline concern, as it feeds into the high school, which has proven effective at supporting students through graduation. Overall, the district offers strong options at the elementary level with Sulphur Rock, a solid high school experience, and areas for improvement in middle school academics.
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