Summary:
This analysis examines three high schools in the 72712 zip code of Bentonville, Arkansas, serving grades 9-12: Bentonville High School, Bentonville West High School, and Haas Hall Bentonville. These schools represent a mix of large traditional public schools and a smaller charter school, all within highly-ranked districts.
Haas Hall Bentonville, part of the Haas Hall Academy district, is the standout performer, ranking #1 in Arkansas with exceptional test scores—97.1% proficiency in Algebra versus the state average of 36.9%. In contrast, Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School, both in the Bentonville School District (ranked 7th), are larger and serve a broader population. Bentonville High, with 3,579 students, excels in Biology (77% proficient) and has a 96% graduation rate, while Bentonville West offers the best student-teacher ratio (9.4:1) and the lowest dropout rate (0.4%).
Key findings reveal a paradox: Haas Hall Bentonville achieves top scores despite higher student-teacher ratios (17.3:1) and lower per-student spending ($7,618) compared to Bentonville High ($11,870) and Bentonville West ($10,781). This suggests success is driven by curriculum and student motivation rather than resources alone. Bentonville West stands out for its supportive environment, retaining students effectively, while Bentonville High’s Biology program is a notable strength. Overall, these schools cater to different needs: Haas Hall for high-achieving students seeking a rigorous charter experience, and the Bentonville district schools for families wanting large, well-rounded public high schools with strong outcomes.
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