Summary:
The two schools in zip code 72476, serving the Walnut Ridge area in Arkansas, are part of the Lawrence County School District and present a stark contrast in performance, with Walnut Ridge High School (grades 7-12) clearly outperforming Walnut Ridge Elementary School (grades PK-6). The high school is a standout, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 61st percentile statewide, while the elementary school has a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom 16th percentile. This dramatic difference suggests a significant shift in academic quality between the two schools, possibly occurring around the transition from 6th to 7th grade.
Key metrics highlight the divide. Walnut Ridge High School boasts a strong 91.9% graduation rate, above the state average, and a very low student-teacher ratio of 6.9 to 1, indicating more personalized attention. It also excels in Biology, with 55.7% of students proficient—13 points above the state average. In contrast, Walnut Ridge Elementary School has a much higher student-teacher ratio of 16.4 to 1 and struggles across all subjects, with a particularly severe math crisis where only 16.3% of 3rd graders are proficient compared to the state average of 45.5%. The high school spends slightly more per student ($11,948 vs. $11,058), which may contribute to its better outcomes.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Walnut Ridge High School offers a solid, above-average education with strong science programs and a supportive learning environment, while the elementary school faces significant challenges that could impact foundational learning. The district overall ranks 154th out of 251 in Arkansas, earning a 2-star rating. The high school's improving trajectory and specific strengths, like Biology, make it a positive choice for older students, but the elementary school's declining performance warrants close attention from families with younger children.
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