Best Public Schools in Zip Code 71929

The three public schools in zip code 71929, serving the Bismarck School District in Arkansas, educate 1,034 students from Pre-K through 12th grade in a community where 62-70% of students face economic challenges.

Bismarck High School is the district's standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 92nd percentile of Arkansas high schools. It boasts a 94.6% graduation rate and an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 4.4:1, which likely supports strong ELA and Science scores. However, its Algebra proficiency is a concerning 9.1%, far below the state average. Bismarck Elementary School provides a consistent foundation, with test scores generally above district and state averages, particularly in Science where 50.7% of students are proficient. Bismarck Middle School is the weakest link, with a 3-star rating and test scores in ELA and Reading that fall below both district and state averages, indicating a "middle school slump" in academic performance.

A key finding is the Algebra paradox: 59.1% of 8th graders taking Algebra are proficient, suggesting a select high-performing group, while only 9.1% of high school students taking the subject are proficient, dragging down overall math scores. Science is a district-wide strength, with all three schools outperforming the state average of 44% in 2025-2026. The High School's ranking has been volatile, fluctuating from the 82nd to the 92nd percentile, likely due to small class sizes where individual scores have a larger impact. Overall, the district is ranked 84th out of 251 in Arkansas, earning a 3-star rating, with spending per student increasing from $10,576 at the elementary level to $11,831 at the high school.