Summary:
Zip code 72034 in Conway, Arkansas, is home to two middle schools serving grades 5 through 7: Carl Stuart Middle School and Ruth Doyle Middle School, both part of the Conway School District.
Ruth Doyle Middle School is the standout school in this area, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 93rd percentile statewide (24th out of 327 middle schools). It significantly outperforms Carl Stuart Middle School and state averages across all academic metrics. The most dramatic difference is in mathematics, where Ruth Doyle achieves 57.2% proficiency compared to Carl Stuart's 37.5%—a gap of nearly 20 percentage points. Notably, Carl Stuart's math scores fall below the state average of 44.1%, while Ruth Doyle's math scores exceed it. Ruth Doyle also excels in English Language Arts (59.9% vs. 39.4% state average) and Science (59.4% vs. 44.0% state average). Interestingly, Carl Stuart spends $976 more per student ($12,628) than Ruth Doyle ($11,652), yet achieves lower test scores and a higher student-teacher ratio (15.4:1 vs. 13.7:1), suggesting Ruth Doyle operates with greater efficiency.
Despite these differences, both schools are strong options. Both exceed the Conway School District and Arkansas state averages in English Language Arts, Reading, and Science. Carl Stuart remains a solid 4-star school, ranking in the 76th percentile. For parents, Ruth Doyle offers top-tier academic performance, while Carl Stuart provides a reliable education with higher per-student spending. The choice may hinge on specific academic priorities, particularly in mathematics, where Ruth Doyle clearly leads.
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