Summary:
The Foreman School District is a small, rural district in Arkansas with just two schools: Oscar Hamilton Elementary School (grades K-6) and Foreman High School (grades 7-12), serving a total of 487 students.
Oscar Hamilton Elementary School is the district's standout, consistently earning a 4-star rating and exceeding state averages in all subjects, particularly science where 66.9% of students are proficient compared to 44% statewide. In contrast, Foreman High School struggles academically despite receiving more resources—it spends $15,242 per student (27% more than the elementary school) and has a remarkably low student-teacher ratio of 6.4:1. Yet its test scores fall below state averages in English, reading, and math. The high school does have a strong 92.3% graduation rate and a bright spot in science, where 51.4% of students are proficient, exceeding the state average.
The most critical issue is a sharp academic decline between schools, especially for 9th graders. Only 8.8% of 9th graders at Foreman High School are proficient in English Language Arts, a dramatic drop from 50% proficiency in 8th grade. This suggests a challenging transition to high school coursework. Both schools serve a high-poverty population, with about 74% of students receiving free or reduced lunch. The district overall ranks in the 70th percentile statewide with a 4-star rating, but this is largely driven by the elementary school's success. Parents should note that while the elementary school excels, the high school faces significant academic challenges that need attention.
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