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Cave City Elementary School

Q: Is Cave City Elementary School a good school?

Cave City Elementary School ranks 203 rd of 491 Arkansas elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

203^rd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 491 Arkansas Elementary Schools

Better than 59% of Arkansas elementary schools

Summary

Cave City Elementary School in Cave City, AR, serves 605 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade and is part of the highly-rated Cave City School District, which ranks in the 90th percentile statewide. This school has shown a strong upward trend in performance over the past decade, consistently earning 3- and 4-star ratings after a period of lower scores, and now stands out for its above-average results in English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading—45.4% proficiency in both subjects, compared to the state average of about 39-40%. Despite serving a high-needs population, with 75-80% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school achieves these results more efficiently than many neighbors, spending $12,797 per student versus over $15,000 at schools like Hillcrest Elementary School and Cedar Ridge Elementary School, which have similar or higher poverty rates but lower academic outcomes.

A key differentiator is Cave City’s stability compared to nearby schools. While Southside Elementary School and West Magnet Elementary School have fluctuated or declined in rankings, Cave City has maintained a steady position in the 59th-73rd percentile over the last four years. Its science performance is a hidden strength, with 48.3% proficiency—above the state average of 44%—and 5th graders achieving 53.3% proficiency, indicating a solid STEM foundation. However, the school faces a notable challenge: a significant performance dip in 4th grade across all subjects, with math proficiency at 31.5% (versus the state’s 47%) and ELA at 33.6% (versus 41.4%). This pattern is unique to Cave City, as nearby schools like Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School show their strongest performance in 4th grade, suggesting a specific instructional or transitional issue that, if addressed, could boost the school’s overall ranking.

In comparison to the regional leader, Melbourne Elementary School, which ranks in the 92nd percentile with lower poverty (51.75%) and a smaller student-to-teacher ratio (12.7:1 versus Cave City’s 15.2:1), Cave City’s performance is arguably more impressive given its resource constraints. The Batesville School District offers a mix of high and low performers, such as Sulphur Rock Magnet (84th percentile) and West Magnet (33rd percentile), while Cave City provides a more consistent, middle-to-high performing option within a single, 5-star district. For families seeking a reliable school with efficient spending and a focus on literacy and science, Cave City Elementary is a standout choice, with the 4th-grade slump being the primary area for potential growth.

605

Students ?

15.2

Student/teacher ratio ?

$12,797

Per pupil spending ?

75.5%

Free/discounted lunch ?

711 N. Main
Cave City, AR 72521

(870) 283-5393

District: Cave City School District

Students who attend Cave City Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Cave City Middle School Career And Collegiate Preparatory
High:	Cave City High Career & Collegiate Preparatory School

Racial breakdown:

White:

92.6%

African American:

3.1%

Hispanic:

2.1%

See top rated Arkansas elementary schools

Compare Cave City Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 61st percentile in 2016 → 59th in 2026

Strengths

✓Above the Arkansas median (59th percentile)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school45%

District avg49%

Arkansas avg42%

203^rd of 491

Arkansas public elementary schools ?

Top 41%▼ down 2 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Arkansas Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

26^th of 251Cave City School District among Arkansas districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arkansas percentile	Rating
2026	59.2	203 of 491	58.7%	★★★☆☆
2025	68.5	149 of 495	69.9%	★★★★☆
2024	70.9	134 of 497	73.0%	★★★★☆
2023	64.1	175 of 492	64.4%	★★★☆☆
2022	67.8	150 of 487	69.2%	★★★☆☆
2021	60.7	204 of 496	58.9%	★★★☆☆
2019	48.9	282 of 488	42.2%	★★☆☆☆
2018	44.4	291 of 480	39.4%	★★☆☆☆
2017	58.2	196 of 485	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2016	58.8	193 of 494	60.9%	★★★☆☆
2015	58.2	167 of 466	64.2%	★★★☆☆
2014	63.9	160 of 471	66.0%	★★★☆☆
2013	58.3	225 of 476	52.7%	★★★☆☆
2012	62.8	198 of 468	57.7%	★★★☆☆
2011	67.0	164 of 471	65.2%	★★★☆☆
2010	74.1	94 of 457	79.4%	★★★★☆
2009	77.5	79 of 445	82.2%	★★★★☆
2007	72.8	106 of 440	75.9%	★★★★☆
2006	66.5	139 of 402	65.4%	★★★☆☆
2005	63.9	154 of 411	62.5%	★★★☆☆

By subject vs Arkansas (2025-2026) ?

Science48%+4 vs state

English Language Arts45%+6 vs state

Reading45%+5 vs state

Mathematics42%~ state avg

5.0

2 ratings · 1 written review

5★2

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3★0

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1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Monday, April 30, 2018

Great Teachers and Administration! Such a caring atmosphere for my daughter! Close Quote

Schools Near Cave City Elementary School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				ATLAS English Language Arts (2026)					ATLAS Reading (2026)					ATLAS Mathematics (2026)					ATLAS Science (2026)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ATLAS English Language Arts 3rd Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 4th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 6th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts All Grades	ATLAS Reading 3rd Grade	ATLAS Reading 4th Grade	ATLAS Reading 5th Grade	ATLAS Reading 6th Grade	ATLAS Reading All Grades	ATLAS Mathematics 3rd Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 4th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 5th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 6th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics All Grades	ATLAS Science 3rd Grade	ATLAS Science 4th Grade	ATLAS Science 5th Grade	ATLAS Science 6th Grade	ATLAS Science All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Cave City Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	711 N. Main	Cave City	72521	Sharp County	Cave City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 283-5393	605	40	15.2	75.5%	560 (92.6%)	19 (3.1%)	13 (2.1%)	4 (0.7%)	6 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.5%)	59.2	203^rd of 491 public elementary schools	58.7%		68.5	149^th of 495 public elementary schools	69.9%	54	54.3	33.6	50.0		45.4	55.6	32.6	50.0		45.4	60.5	31.5	36.4		42.5	45.7	46.6	53.3		48.3	$12,797	$2,373	$10,423
Hillcrest Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	146 S. Main Street	Strawberry	72469	Lawrence County	Hillcrest School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 376-5416	263	17	15.1	84.4%	251 (95.4%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (3.8%)	71.4	136^th of 491 public elementary schools	72.3%		74.6	112^th of 495 public elementary schools	77.4%	24	31.0	46.4	53.3	61.5	47.7	44.8	46.4	50.0	53.8	48.7	34.4	42.9	46.7	73.1	48.7	51.7	71.4	66.6	73.1	65.5	$15,530	$2,445	$13,084
West Magnet Elementary School	Public, Magnet	K-5	850 Hill Street	Batesville	72501	Independence County	Batesville School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(870) 793-9878	599	34	17.6	81.6%	294 (49.1%)	27 (4.5%)	229 (38.2%)	5 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (1.5%)	35 (5.8%)	37.9	328^th of 491 public elementary schools	33.2%		36.9	331^st of 495 public elementary schools	33.1%	3	29.1	30.8	39.0		32.9	29.2	28.7	40.2		32.5	36.4	42.5	44.8		41.1	31.3	39.3	42.5		37.6	$11,809	$1,644	$10,164
Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	600 Eagle Mountain Blvd.	Batesville	72501	Independence County	Batesville School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(870) 698-9141	905	36	25.2	58.8%	482 (53.3%)	19 (2.1%)	327 (36.1%)	22 (2.4%)	1 (0.1%)	9 (1.0%)	45 (5.0%)	58.1	207^th of 491 public elementary schools	57.8%		61.8	180^th of 495 public elementary schools	63.6%	27	30.5	49.5	40.6		41.4	33.3	46.5	40.7		40.9	45.8	56.5	53.1		52.4	38.9	47.6	50.1		45.5	$11,177	$1,187	$9,990
Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	480 N Main St	Batesville	72501	Independence County	Batesville School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(870) 799-3149	333	20	16.7	45.0%	284 (85.3%)	9 (2.7%)	25 (7.5%)	2 (0.6%)	1 (0.3%)	2 (0.6%)	10 (3.0%)	80.2	80^th of 491 public elementary schools	83.7%		66.8	154^th of 495 public elementary schools	68.9%	74	45.7	55.6	52.8		51.4	45.7	47.2	52.8		48.6	82.9	63.9	66.6		71.1	71.4	50.0	55.6		58.8	$17,408	$1,520	$15,888
Cedar Ridge Elementary School	Public	K-5	3549 Cord Road	Newark	72562	Independence County	Cedar Ridge School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 201-2577	263	22	11.9	98.9%	245 (93.2%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (3.0%)	42.1	298^th of 491 public elementary schools	39.3%		60.1	196^th of 495 public elementary schools	60.4%	102	28.9	38.5	42.3		36.9	26.3	35.9	46.7		36.9	26.3	38.4	35.6		33.6	36.8	46.1	42.2		41.8	$16,961	$2,712	$14,249
Melbourne Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	200 Bearkat Drive	Melbourne	72556	Izard County	Melbourne School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 368-4365	458	36	12.7	51.7%	437 (95.4%)	2 (0.4%)	9 (2.0%)	3 (0.7%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (0.9%)	87.4	39^th of 491 public elementary schools	92.1%		83.5	65^th of 495 public elementary schools	86.9%	26	50.0	51.1	60.4	78.0	60.1	54.0	48.9	64.6	72.0	60.2	64.0	46.7	68.8	84.0	66.4	66.0	60.0	68.8	82.0	69.4	$13,356	$2,274	$11,083
Southside Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-3	2460 Batesville Blvd	Southside	72501	Independence County	Southside School District (Independence)	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 251-2661	852	42	20.2	52.1%	779 (91.4%)	11 (1.3%)	36 (4.2%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	4 (0.5%)	19 (2.2%)	67.8	155^th of 491 public elementary schools	68.4%		61.1	187^th of 495 public elementary schools	62.2%	32	44.4				44.4	43.7				43.7	56.3				56.3	58.3				58.3	$14,686	$3,460	$11,226

Frequently Asked Questions about Cave City Elementary School

How many students attend Cave City Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 605 students attended Cave City Elementary School.

What district is Cave City Elementary School in?

Cave City School District

What schools do graduates of Cave City Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Cave City Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Cave City Middle School Career And Collegiate Preparatory
High : Cave City High Career & Collegiate Preparatory School

What is the racial makeup of Cave City Elementary School?

Students at Cave City Elementary School are 93% White, 3% African American, 2% Hispanic.

Is Cave City Elementary School a good school?

Cave City Elementary School ranks 203^rd of 491 Arkansas elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Rate Cave City Elementary School!

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Latest Arkansas data All new data »

2025–26 ATLAS test scoresJul 13, 2026

2024–25 graduation ratesMar 5, 2026

2019–20 through 2023–24 school spending dataJan 6, 2026

2017–18 through 2024–25 dropout ratesJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.