Summary:
The Conway School District in Arkansas is home to four middle schools—Carl Stuart Middle School, Ruth Doyle Middle School, Bob Courtway Middle School, and Ray Phyllis Simon Middle School—all serving grades 5 through 7. The district itself ranks in the 65th percentile statewide, earning a 3-star rating, but performance varies widely among its schools.
Ruth Doyle Middle School is the clear standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking 24th out of 327 schools in Arkansas (93rd percentile) for the 2025-2026 school year. It leads the district in every subject, with math proficiency (57.2%) far exceeding the state average (44.1%) and the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (45.70%). In contrast, Bob Courtway Middle School faces the greatest challenges, with a 2-star rating, the highest economic disadvantage rate (72.09%), and test scores below district and state averages. However, Bob Courtway showed the most dramatic year-over-year improvement, with proficiency gains of 8 to 11 points across all subjects. Ray Phyllis Simon Middle School has seen a notable decline, dropping from a 4-star to a 3-star rating, and exhibits an unusual pattern where 7th graders significantly outperform 5th and 6th graders, particularly in math and science.
A key takeaway is that per-student spending does not predict success. Ray Phyllis Simon spends the most ($12,840 per student) but ranks third, while top-performing Ruth Doyle spends the least ($11,652). This suggests that factors like teaching quality and resource allocation matter more than raw spending. Overall, Carl Stuart Middle School offers a solid middle ground with a 4-star rating and strong science scores (51.5%), making it a reliable choice for families seeking consistent performance.
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