Summary:
The three schools in zip code 72081, serving Judsonia, Arkansas, are split between two very different districts: the high-performing White County Central School District and the lower-performing Riverview School District. This small town offers a clear contrast in educational quality, with White County Central Elementary School and White County Central High School both earning 4-star ratings, while Judsonia Elementary School struggles with a 2-star rating.
White County Central Elementary is the standout performer, consistently exceeding state averages in all subjects, particularly in mathematics where 62.1% of students are proficient compared to 44.1% statewide. Its high school counterpart is a standout improver, jumping from a 3-star to a 4-star rating in a single year, now ranking in the 74th percentile. The high school also boasts a strong 91.4% graduation rate and an exceptionally low 0.5% dropout rate. In contrast, Judsonia Elementary lags behind, with proficiency rates below state averages in every subject, including a 29.7% English Language Arts rate versus 39.4% statewide.
A key takeaway is that spending does not equal performance: Judsonia Elementary spends the most per student ($13,533) yet achieves the lowest results, while White County Central Elementary spends the least ($11,413) and achieves the highest. All three schools serve a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with rates ranging from 64.59% at the high school to 77.2% at Judsonia Elementary. This suggests that district-level leadership and strategies, rather than just funding, are critical drivers of success in this area.
Thank you for your feedback!