Summary:
Zip code 71671 in Warren, Arkansas, is home to two elementary schools within the Warren School District, serving students from kindergarten through 5th grade in a community facing significant socioeconomic challenges, as indicated by very high free and reduced lunch rates.
Thomas C Brunson Elementary School (grades 4-5) stands out as the stronger academic performer in the area. Despite serving a student population with a 100% poverty rate, it achieves a 2-star rating and ranks in the 41st percentile statewide, significantly outperforming Warren Elementary School (grades K-3), which holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the 15th percentile. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, Brunson’s overall math proficiency rate of 42.9% far exceeds Warren Elementary’s 31.6%, and its 5th-grade math class is a standout, with 51.8% of students proficient—above the state average of 45%. This "Brunson Bounce" suggests that the upper elementary school’s strategies are more effective, even though it has a higher student-teacher ratio (17.5:1) compared to Warren Elementary (13.9:1).
Key metrics highlight the contrast: Brunson spends $13,272 per student versus $12,305 at Warren, and its overall ELA proficiency (35.5%) and science proficiency (35.6%) are both higher than Warren’s (25.5% and 30.6%, respectively). However, both schools lag behind state averages in most subjects, reflecting the strong link between poverty and performance. The district’s challenge is clear: replicate Brunson’s success at the K-3 level to build a stronger foundation for all students, as the data proves that high-poverty schools can still achieve excellence in specific areas like 5th-grade math.
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