Summary:
This analysis examines five elementary schools in zip code 72315, serving grades PK through 6 across the communities of Blytheville and Gosnell, Arkansas, and reveals a stark contrast in academic performance and resources within a single geographic area.
The standout top performer is Armorel Elementary School, which leads with a 4-star rating and an average proficiency of 53.6% across all subjects, significantly outpacing its peers. It also boasts the lowest student-teacher ratio (13.3:1) and the highest per-student spending ($16,658). In stark contrast, Blytheville Elementary School is the lowest performer, with a 0-star rating and a mere 8.1% average proficiency, serving a 100% free/reduced lunch population. Gosnell Elementary School is a solid second, averaging 41.2% proficiency, with a notable strength in Mathematics (51% proficient), particularly among 6th graders. KIPP: Blytheville College Preparatory shows a positive upward trend, improving from the 6th to the 17th percentile, while Blytheville Primary School struggles with foundational skills, as its 3rd and 4th graders enter upper grades already behind.
The data highlights a profound divide between districts: the Armorel School District ranks 51st out of 251 districts statewide, while the Blytheville School District ranks 250th. While higher spending at Armorel correlates with success, KIPP Delta Public Schools spends a similar amount ($14,521) but faces greater challenges with a 100% poverty rate, showing that funding alone isn't the sole solution. Overall, families in this area will find a wide range of educational environments, from the high-performing Armorel to the struggling Blytheville schools, with Gosnell offering a strong math program and KIPP showing promising growth.
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