Summary:
In zip code 72419, there is one elementary school, Riverside East Elementary School, serving grades PK through 6 in Caraway, Arkansas, a small community with a high level of economic need.
Riverside East Elementary is a small school with 147 students and a favorable 13:1 student-teacher ratio, but it faces significant academic challenges. The school's overall proficiency rates in English Language Arts (27.9%), Reading (29.5%), and Mathematics (27.9%) are well below state averages, with math being a particular weakness—nearly 17 percentage points lower than the state. However, the school shows a dramatic "grade-level cliff": 3rd graders score only 7.7% proficient in ELA, while 5th graders achieve 50% proficiency, suggesting effective intervention programs or a stronger cohort in the upper grades. The school spends a high $14,355 per student, yet overall results remain low, raising questions about resource allocation. With over 73% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the school serves a high-poverty population, and its state ranking has declined from the 44th percentile (2 stars) in 2024-2025 to the 30th percentile (1 star) in 2025-2026.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Riverside East Elementary offers a small, close-knit environment with strong potential in upper elementary grades, particularly in 5th and 6th grade ELA and science. However, early literacy and math instruction across all grades are critical areas of concern. The school is part of the Riverside School District, which is ranked in the 50th percentile statewide. While the school's high spending and low overall scores are worrying, the success in upper grades suggests that with targeted support, especially in early grades and math, the school could improve. Parents should closely monitor their child's progress in the primary years and inquire about intervention programs.
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