Summary:
The three public schools in zip code 72682 serve the Valley Springs, Arkansas area, covering grades PK-12 through Valley Springs School District, which ranks as a top-4% performer in the state.
Valley Springs Middle School is the standout school, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 92nd percentile statewide. It achieves exceptional results, including 100% proficiency in Algebra and 6th-grade scores nearly double the state average in Math (84.7%), Reading (71.2%), and Science (79.6%). Valley Springs Elementary School is also a strong performer, maintaining a 5-star rating and significantly outpacing state averages in all core subjects, with proficiency rates around 60-65% compared to the state's 39-44%. In contrast, Valley Springs High School shows a concerning trend, dropping from a 7th to a 39th state ranking over two years, though it still ranks in the top 13% and boasts a 94.7% graduation rate and an exceptionally low 5.3:1 student-teacher ratio.
A key finding is the "Algebra anomaly": while the middle school excels at accelerating top math students, the high school's Algebra proficiency is only 51.4%, suggesting a struggle to sustain those gains. The high school's small class sizes do not translate to top-tier test scores, as its performance lags behind the district average in ELA, Reading, and Algebra. Overall, the district provides consistent excellence, with per-student spending averaging $13,531, but parents should note the potential "middle school cliff" where strong academic progress may not carry through to high school.
Thank you for your feedback!