Lakeside High School

Lakeside High School in Lake Village, AR, is a small, rural school serving 277 students in grades 9-12 within the LAKESIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT (Chicot), where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting high economic need.

Academically, Lakeside shows a mixed but improving profile. While the school has historically ranked in the bottom quartile of Arkansas high schools, it has climbed from the 9th percentile in 2021-2022 to the 23rd percentile in the most recent data. A standout strength is Biology, where 47.4% of students are proficient—above the state average of 42.7% and far exceeding nearby Dermott High School’s 11.8%. However, math performance is a critical concern, with only 9.1% proficient in Algebra and 12.9% in Geometry, well below state averages. The school’s graduation rate is a bright spot, reaching 86.5% in 2023-2024, higher than Dermott’s 80.0% and the 21.1% rate at Arkansas Consolidated High School-Dermott. With a low student-to-teacher ratio of 9.1:1, students receive individualized attention, though spending per student ($15,981) is less than Dermott’s $19,548.

Compared to nearby schools, Lakeside offers a more stable environment with larger enrollment and stronger graduation rates. The Biology success suggests a targeted instructional strength that could be replicated in other subjects, while the math crisis points to a potential gap at the high school level. Despite high investment and need, overall academic outcomes remain below state averages, highlighting the challenges of serving a 100% economically disadvantaged population. The school’s gradual improvement and unique academic spikes make it a school with both clear challenges and promising areas of excellence.