Summary:
In zip code 72029, there is one elementary school, Clarendon Elementary School, serving grades Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade with 240 students in the Clarendon School District, a high-poverty area where every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
Clarendon Elementary School faces significant academic challenges, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts (16.4%), Reading (20.5%), Mathematics (14.7%), and Science (24.6%) all well below the state averages of roughly 40-44%. The school spends a high $17,621 per student and maintains a low 11:1 student-teacher ratio, yet its state ranking places it in the bottom 10% of Arkansas elementary schools. However, there are positive trends: the school improved in three of four core subjects from the previous year, with Science showing the largest gain of 7.3 percentage points. Notably, 6th-grade Science scores (42.3%) nearly match the state average, and 5th graders consistently outperform younger students across all subjects, suggesting effective instruction at that grade level.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Clarendon Elementary School is a high-needs school where universal poverty creates steep hurdles, but resources are being directed toward small class sizes and wraparound services. While current academic performance is low, the school shows signs of improvement, particularly in Science and for older students. The slight decline in Math scores is a concern, but the overall upward trajectory in three subjects offers cautious optimism for families considering this school.
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