Summary:
Zip code 72207 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is home to three elementary schools—Forest Park Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Williams Magnet Elementary School—all part of the Little Rock School District, which is ranked 178th out of 251 districts in Arkansas.
This area presents a striking contrast in school performance. Jefferson Elementary School is the standout, consistently ranking among the top 10 in the state and earning a 5-star rating for three consecutive years, with an average proficiency rate of 74.73% across all subjects—nearly double the state average. Forest Park Elementary School is also a top performer, ranking 26th in the state and maintaining a 5-star rating, with a 67.98% average proficiency rate. In contrast, Williams Magnet Elementary School struggles significantly, ranking 273rd in the state with a 2-star rating and an average proficiency rate of just 39.03%, which is below the state average. Notably, Williams Magnet has the highest per-student spending ($17,141) and the highest percentage of students from low-income families (68.53% free/reduced lunch), while the two top schools have lower poverty rates (33-36%) and lower spending per student.
Key takeaways for parents include the strong correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance in this zip code, as well as the fact that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. Jefferson and Forest Park demonstrate consistent excellence, while Williams Magnet has seen a steady decline in its state ranking, dropping from the 59th percentile to the 44th percentile over three years. This disparity within a single zip code and district highlights how school performance can vary dramatically, making it essential for parents to research individual schools carefully.
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