Summary:
In zip code 72040, there is one high school, Des Arc High School, serving grades 7 through 12 in the rural community of Des Arc, Arkansas, as part of the Des Arc School District.
Des Arc High School is a standout institution with a remarkable upward trajectory. It has improved from a 4-star rating and 82nd percentile ranking in 2023-2024 to a projected 5-star rating and 97th percentile ranking for the 2025-2026 school year, placing it 8th out of 293 schools statewide. This rapid rise is especially impressive given that 73.48% of its 279 students are economically disadvantaged, yet the school consistently outperforms state averages in nearly every subject. For example, in the most recent testing year, proficiency in Geometry (52.5%) nearly doubles the state average (26.4%), and Algebra (54.5%) and Biology (58.1%) also far exceed state norms. The school also boasts a strong graduation rate of 93.0% and a low dropout rate of 1.1%, with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1 and spending of $13,482 per student.
While overall performance is excellent, a notable finding is a dip in 8th-grade scores, where English Language Arts proficiency (31.5%) falls below the state average (37.2%), contrasting with high scores in 7th and 9th grades. This suggests a transitional challenge that may need attention. However, the school's dramatic year-over-year improvement—such as ELA proficiency jumping from 38.8% to 49.3%—indicates effective curriculum changes and targeted interventions are yielding fast results. For parents, Des Arc High School represents a high-performing, rapidly improving school that excels in STEM subjects and overcomes significant socioeconomic barriers, making it a compelling choice in the area.
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