Summary:
The Gravette School District in Arkansas is home to two elementary schools—Glenn Duffy Elementary School (serving Pre-K through 2nd grade) and Gravette Upper Elementary (serving 3rd through 5th grade)—that together form a high-performing pipeline, with the district ranking in the 90th percentile statewide and earning a 5-star rating.
A standout difference between the two schools is their investment strategy. Glenn Duffy Elementary School spends $14,139 per student—30% more than Gravette Upper Elementary—and maintains a lower student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1, reflecting a deliberate focus on early childhood education. Both schools serve a similar socioeconomic population, with about 46-47% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, making their academic comparisons fair. Gravette Upper Elementary shows strong overall results, with 2025-2026 math proficiency at 56.4% and reading at 52.1%, both well above state averages. Notably, math proficiency actually increases from 3rd to 5th grade (52.6% to 59.9%), while reading proficiency declines (56.6% to 44.9%), suggesting a need to focus on upper-grade literacy.
The schools function as a cohesive system: Glenn Duffy Elementary School builds a strong foundation with smaller classes and higher spending, while Gravette Upper Elementary capitalizes on that preparation to deliver standout math results. The upper school’s state ranking has also improved, rising from the 69th percentile in 2024-2025 to the 75th percentile in 2025-2026. For parents, this district offers a well-designed educational journey where early investment pays off in later academic strength, particularly in mathematics.
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