Summary:
Zip code 72210 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is home to three elementary schools serving grades PK through 8, characterized by high levels of economic disadvantage and a stark divide in academic performance between schools.
The standout school in this area is Lawson Elementary School, which earned a 2-star rating and ranks in the 37th percentile statewide—the highest in the zip code. It serves a more economically diverse population (63% free/reduced lunch) and outperforms its peers in English Language Arts (40.9% proficiency) and Mathematics (35.2% proficiency). In contrast, J.A. Fair K8 Preparatory School and Otter Creek Elementary School both serve over 99% economically disadvantaged students and struggle academically. However, Otter Creek shows the most improvement, climbing from the 12th to the 28th percentile over three years. J.A. Fair K8, part of the Little Rock School District, has a unique "pocket of excellence": its 8th graders achieved 100% proficiency in Algebra, far exceeding district and state averages, even as the school ranks in the bottom 5% statewide. Per-student spending is high across all schools ($15,977 to $18,357), yet this does not guarantee strong outcomes, as Lawson spends the most but J.A. Fair spends nearly as much with far lower results.
Key takeaways for parents: socioeconomic factors strongly influence school performance in this area, with Lawson Elementary offering the strongest overall academics. Otter Creek is a promising choice for families seeking a school on an upward trajectory, while J.A. Fair K8 may appeal to families with advanced math students due to its exceptional Algebra program. All schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios (12.7:1 to 15.8:1), allowing for individualized attention, but parents should be aware that grade-level performance varies significantly—for example, 4th grade is a peak year at Lawson but a challenging one at J.A. Fair.
Thank you for your feedback!