Don Tyson School Of Innovation

Don Tyson School Of Innovation in Springdale, AR, is a unique K-12 alternative school within the Springdale School District serving 1,976 students, and it stands out for its exceptional academic performance and highly efficient use of resources.

This school achieves remarkable results, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts (47.9%), Math (54.7%), and Science (56.5%) far exceeding the district averages. Its low student-to-teacher ratio of 10.7:1 allows for more individualized attention, a key advantage over nearby schools like Central Junior High School (15:1) and Southwest Junior High School (15.4:1). The school also boasts a 94.2% graduation rate and an extremely low dropout rate of just 0.1%, compared to rates of 3.8% at George Junior High School and 2.3% at Lakeside Junior High School. Impressively, it achieves these outcomes while spending less per student ($10,747) than those same junior highs, which spend between $13,292 and $14,187 per student.

The school's "innovation" model is clearly working, as it consistently improves year-over-year and dramatically outperforms virtual alternatives like Arkansas Connections Academy High and Ischool Virtual Academy Of Arkansas, where math proficiency is less than half. For parents, this school offers a proven, effective educational environment that keeps students engaged and on track for graduation, all while serving a diverse student body where nearly 60% qualify for free or reduced lunch.