Summary:
Zip code 72081 in Judsonia, Arkansas, is served by two elementary schools—White County Central Elementary School and Judsonia Elementary School—both covering pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, but they offer vastly different academic experiences.
White County Central Elementary School is the standout performer in this area. It has earned a 4-star rating for three consecutive years and consistently ranks in the top third of Arkansas elementary schools. In the 2025-2026 school year, it outperformed the state average in every subject—math, reading, English language arts, and science—often by wide margins. For example, 62.1% of its students were proficient in math compared to 44.1% statewide. The school is part of the White County Central School District, which ranks 42nd out of 251 districts in Arkansas. In contrast, Judsonia Elementary School has received a 2-star rating and ranks in the bottom third of the state. Its proficiency rates fall below state averages in every subject and grade level. It belongs to the Riverview School District, which ranks 165th out of 251 districts.
A key finding is the "spending paradox": Judsonia Elementary spends $13,533 per student—$2,120 more than White County Central—yet achieves significantly lower academic results. This suggests that higher funding does not automatically translate to better outcomes. Additionally, White County Central shows a remarkable surge in 5th grade performance, with math proficiency jumping from 61.2% in 4th grade to 80.6% in 5th grade, while Judsonia Elementary sees a decline in the same grade. Both schools serve high-poverty populations, but White County Central demonstrates that strong academic achievement is possible regardless of socioeconomic challenges.
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