Danville Upper Middle School

Danville Upper Middle School in Danville, AR, serves 126 students in grades 7 and 8 within the Danville School District, a small, close-knit community where about 77% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

This school stands out as a true math and science powerhouse. In 2025-2026, an impressive 66.7% of students taking Algebra were proficient—far exceeding the state average of 36.9% and the district average of 29.8%. Science proficiency is also a major strength, with 55.5% of students meeting standards, well above the state’s 44%. Overall math scores have nearly doubled in three years, rising from 24.2% to 45.2%, now surpassing both district and state averages. However, the school faces a clear challenge in English Language Arts and Reading, where scores (37% and 37.8%) trail state averages (39.4% and 40.4%). This pattern suggests a strong STEM focus, with top math students channeled into Algebra, while literacy remains an area for growth.

Compared to nearby Dardanelle Middle School (500 students, 16.79 miles away), Danville Upper Middle School holds a clear advantage in core subjects, outperforming in ELA (37% vs. 34.2%), Reading (37.8% vs. 34.2%), and Science (55.5% vs. 39.1%). This is notable given both schools serve similarly high-poverty populations, but Danville’s smaller size and lower student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 may contribute to its stronger results. Interestingly, within the same district, Danville Lower Middle School (grades 5-6) excels in ELA and Reading, suggesting a shift in academic focus as students move up. Overall, Danville Upper Middle School offers a strong STEM foundation with a supportive, small-school environment, making it a compelling choice for families prioritizing math and science.