Summary
St. Paul Elementary School is a small, rural school in Huntsville, AR, serving 121 students in grades PK through 6 as part of the Huntsville School District. This school stands out for its intimate learning environment, with a very low student-teacher ratio of 11.6:1—far lower than nearby schools like Huntsville Intermediate School (18:1) and Watson Primary School (17.5:1). It also invests heavily per student, spending $14,505 annually, which is significantly more than other district schools and even the high-performing Elkins Elementary School ($10,377). This high spending reflects a commitment to personalized support, though the school serves a high-poverty population, with 71.9% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch.
Academically, St. Paul shows a mix of challenges and bright spots. Its overall ranking has improved recently, moving from the 26th percentile (1 star) to the 37th percentile (2 stars) for the 2025-2026 school year. However, performance varies dramatically by grade level. For example, 5th graders are a standout group, scoring at or above state averages in English Language Arts (50% vs. 40.9%) and Reading (45% vs. 41.1%), while 3rd graders lag behind (20% in ELA vs. 42.9% statewide). This inconsistency is common in small schools, where a single strong or weak cohort can swing results. Compared to a similar small, high-poverty school like Oark Elementary School, St. Paul performs relatively well, though it still trails the more affluent Elkins Primary School, which has nearly double the proficiency rates in math and reading.
For parents, St. Paul offers a close-knit, supportive environment with dedicated resources, but academic consistency remains a work in progress. The school’s recent improvement and the success of its 5th-grade class suggest that targeted efforts can make a difference. If you value small class sizes and personalized attention, this school may be a good fit, especially if you’re willing to work with teachers to address grade-level gaps. The key takeaway is that St. Paul is a school on an upward trajectory, but its performance can be uneven from year to year due to its small size and the challenges of serving a high-needs community.
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