Summary:
This analysis examines two elementary schools located in zip code 72019 (Benton, AR): Salem Elementary School (part of the Bryant School District) and Caldwell Elementary School (part of the Benton School District), both serving elementary grades and offering a compelling comparison of two highly-rated districts within the same community.
Caldwell Elementary School is the standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 97th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. It significantly outperforms both its district and state averages in all subjects, with a particularly impressive 72.9% proficiency in Science—nearly 29 points above the state average. In contrast, Salem Elementary School is a solid 4-star school ranking in the 77th percentile, performing above its district and state averages but not reaching Caldwell's elite level. Notably, Salem spends $951 more per student ($11,776 vs. $10,825) than Caldwell, suggesting Caldwell achieves its exceptional results with greater financial efficiency. The percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch is nearly double at Salem (44.99%) compared to Caldwell (23.89%), a factor often correlated with academic performance.
Both schools show positive trajectories, with Caldwell making a dramatic leap from the 77th percentile to the 97th percentile over two years, while Salem has shown consistent, more modest growth. Salem's strongest subject is Math (60.5% proficiency), but its Science proficiency (47.7%) is its weakest, barely exceeding the state average. For parents in zip code 72019, the choice between these two schools largely depends on priorities: Caldwell Elementary offers elite, top-3% academic performance with strong science instruction, while Salem Elementary provides a strong, above-average education within the highly-regarded Bryant School District.
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