Baldwin Elementary School

Baldwin Elementary School in Paragould, AR, serves 221 students in grades 2 through 4 and is part of the Paragould School District, where the entire student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch, reflecting a high level of economic need in the community.

Academically, Baldwin has historically performed in the lower third of Arkansas elementary schools, but recent data shows a positive trend, with the school climbing from a 1-star rating to a 2-star rating and reaching the 36th percentile in the state. A standout bright spot is in 4th-grade mathematics, where 54.7% of students are proficient—a rate that not only surpasses the district average of 46.9% and the state average of 47% but also outperforms nearby schools like Woodrow Wilson Elementary and Oak Grove Elementary in the same subject. However, this success contrasts with lower proficiency in 3rd-grade math (25.4%) and a drop in reading from 3rd to 4th grade, suggesting areas for improvement. Compared to higher-performing peers like Brookland Elementary School in the Brookland School District, which has a 5-star rating and nearly double the proficiency rates in English and math, Baldwin faces significant challenges tied to its high-poverty context.

Despite spending more per student ($13,081) than district peers like Woodrow Wilson ($12,158) and Oak Grove ($12,351), Baldwin’s performance lags, indicating that funds are likely directed toward support services for its high-need population rather than directly boosting test scores. The school’s gradual improvement and unique strength in 4th-grade math offer a hopeful blueprint for future growth, making it a school to watch for parents interested in a community-focused environment with potential for upward momentum.