Summary:
The four public schools in zip code 72103 (Mabelvale, AR) serve 3,788 students from elementary through high school, all part of the Little Rock School District, which holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the 29th percentile statewide.
Chicot Elementary School is the standout performer in the area, earning a 1-star rating while its peers have received 0 stars. It spends the most per student at $20,281 and achieves academic proficiency rates roughly double those of other local schools, with 22.1% in math and 22.4% in reading. In contrast, Mabelvale Elementary School is the lowest-ranked, placing in the 1st percentile statewide, with 5th-grade proficiency rates dropping to single digits (4.3% in reading and science). Mabelvale Middle School presents a unique contradiction: while its overall math proficiency is just 7%, its Algebra proficiency soars to 42.9%—higher than the state average—suggesting a small group of advanced students excels while the majority struggles. Little Rock Southwest High School faces the most acute challenges, with a 72.1% graduation rate, an 11.9% dropout rate, and alarmingly low proficiency in Algebra (5.1%) and Geometry (2.4%).
All four schools report a free/reduced lunch rate exceeding 99%, indicating deep, systemic poverty that directly impacts academic outcomes. Spending per student varies widely, from $15,857 at Mabelvale Elementary to $20,281 at Chicot Elementary, yet higher spending does not guarantee better results—Mabelvale Middle spends $18,371 per student but has the lowest overall proficiency. The high school's low student-teacher ratio of 12:1 contrasts with its poor performance, highlighting that resources alone cannot overcome the community's immense needs. For parents, Chicot Elementary offers the strongest academic foundation, while Mabelvale Elementary and Little Rock Southwest High School require careful consideration due to their severe underperformance.
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