Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 71901

This analysis examines five elementary schools in the 71901 zip code of Hot Springs, Arkansas, serving grades Pre-K through 6th grade across four different school districts, revealing a stark divide in academic performance and socioeconomic conditions.

The standout performer is Lakeside Intermediate School, which is the highest-ranked school in the area. Its district, Lakeside School District (Garland), ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide, and the school has earned 4-star ratings for three consecutive years. In contrast, Langston Elementary Leadership Academy Magnet School in the Hot Springs School District is the lowest-performing school, ranking in the bottom 17% of the state. A critical finding is that spending does not equal performance: Langston Elementary has the highest per-student spending ($16,502) but the lowest test scores, while Lakeside Intermediate has the lowest spending ($10,930) and the highest scores. The socioeconomic achievement gap is pronounced, with Langston Elementary having a 100% free and reduced lunch rate compared to Lakeside Intermediate's 49.51%. Fountain Lake Elementary in the Fountain Lake School District saw a dramatic drop in its state ranking from the 73rd to the 47th percentile in one year, while Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School in the Cutter Morning Star School District shows a troubling decline in math proficiency from 56.8% in 3rd grade to just 16.3% in 5th grade.

For parents, the key takeaway is that Lakeside Intermediate School offers the strongest and most consistent academic performance in the area, despite lower spending. However, Lakeside Primary School, which serves PK-1st grade, does not have test scores available, creating a data gap. The other three schools—Langston, Fountain Lake, and Cutter-Morning Star—all face significant challenges, with Langston Elementary being the most disadvantaged. Parents should investigate the specific grade-level performance drops at Cutter-Morning Star and the recent volatility at Fountain Lake when making their decisions.