Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in the 72205 zip code of Little Rock, Arkansas, serving grades K-5 (with one K-8 academy), and reveals a stark contrast in academic performance and socioeconomic conditions within a single area.
Forest Heights Stem Academy stands out as the top performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the top 21% of Arkansas elementary schools. Its test scores in both ELA (53.7%) and Math (55.9%) significantly exceed state averages, and it boasts an impressive 89.6% proficiency in Algebra. In contrast, Brady Elementary School faces the greatest challenges, with a 0-star rating and scores in the single digits for most subjects—only 6.2% of students are proficient in Math. Pulaski Heights Elementary School performs solidly above district averages with a 3-star rating, while Arkansas School For The Blind Elementary is a specialized state-run institution with only 30 students and a very low student-teacher ratio of 2.7, making it incomparable to the other traditional schools.
A key finding is the "spending paradox": Brady Elementary spends the most per student ($17,641) yet achieves the lowest results, while Forest Heights spends less ($14,743) and excels. This suggests that higher funding alone does not guarantee success. All four schools are part of the Little Rock School District, which itself ranks in the bottom 29% of Arkansas districts, highlighting systemic challenges. For parents, Forest Heights offers the strongest academic outcomes, while Brady requires significant support. The Arkansas School For The Blind provides a unique, specialized environment not comparable to neighborhood schools.
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