Best Public Schools in Gentry, AR

The Gentry School District in Gentry, Arkansas, serves 1,753 students across four public schools—Gentry High School, Gentry Middle School, Gentry Intermediate School (grades 3-5), and Gentry Primary School (grades K-2)—and is ranked 86th out of 251 districts in Arkansas, earning a 3-star rating.

The standout school is Gentry High School, which boasts a remarkable 7:1 student-teacher ratio, the lowest in the district, and a strong 92.4% graduation rate. It excels in Biology and English Language Arts but struggles significantly in Algebra and Geometry. Gentry Intermediate School is a consistent overperformer, the only school that beats state averages in all core subjects (ELA, Reading, Math, Science). In contrast, Gentry Middle School is the weakest link, with test scores well below state and district averages—for example, only 37.5% proficient in Math versus the state's 44.1%. This "middle school slump" is pronounced, as students drop sharply after leaving the high-performing Intermediate School. The district also shows a consistent challenge in 3rd grade, where scores dip below state averages in ELA and Reading.

Spending varies, with the High School spending the most per student ($13,854) and the Middle School the least ($11,439), though the Intermediate School overperforms with mid-range spending ($12,461). About half of students across the district are economically disadvantaged, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 50% to 55%. The High School's low student-teacher ratio is a key advantage, while the Middle School's higher ratio (13.4:1) may contribute to its struggles. Overall, the district shows strong elementary and high school performance, but the middle school and math proficiency remain critical areas for improvement.