Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 71730

This analysis examines four elementary schools in zip code 71730 (El Dorado, Arkansas), serving grades Pre-K through 6th, and reveals a landscape of stark contrasts between high-performing and struggling schools within two different districts.

In the El Dorado School District, performance is a tale of two extremes. Hugh Goodwin Elementary School is the standout top performer, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 10% of Arkansas elementary schools, with test scores far exceeding state averages in all subjects. In stark contrast, Yocum Elementary School is the lowest-performing school in the area, ranking in the bottom 12% of the state with a 1-star rating and test scores well below district and state averages. Northwest Elementary School falls in the middle, showing a promising upward trend in its state ranking and test scores, though it still lags behind state averages. Meanwhile, Parkers Chapel Elementary School, part of the Parkers Chapel School District, is a consistent high-achiever with a 4-star rating and test scores well above state averages, particularly in Science and Math.

A key takeaway is that higher per-student spending does not guarantee better results. The two lowest-performing schools, Yocum and Northwest, have the highest spending per student, while the top-performing schools, Hugh Goodwin and Parkers Chapel, spend significantly less. This suggests that factors like school leadership and teaching quality are more critical than funding alone. Additionally, the available free/reduced lunch data indicates a strong link between socioeconomic factors and academic performance, with the lowest-performing school having a 90% free/reduced lunch rate compared to 39.1% at the high-performing Parkers Chapel. For parents, this data highlights that while the El Dorado district offers both top-tier and struggling options, Parkers Chapel stands out as a model of efficiency and consistent excellence.