Best Public Schools in Zip Code 72761

The six public schools in zip code 72761, all part of the Siloam Springs School District, serve students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in a community with a predominantly low-to-moderate income population, where the average free/reduced lunch rate is 62.5%.

Southside Elementary School (grades 3-4) is the district's clear academic leader, consistently outperforming state averages in English Language Arts, Reading, and Mathematics despite a 61.5% free/reduced lunch rate. In contrast, Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter is a pillar of stability with a 91.3% graduation rate and standout performance in Biology and Geometry. A fascinating "middle school math paradox" exists at Siloam Springs Middle School (grades 7-8), where 87.3% of students taking Algebra I are proficient (far above the 36.9% state average), yet overall math proficiency lags behind. Meanwhile, Northside Elementary School (PK-K) stands out for its strategic investment in early childhood, spending $17,681 per student—68% more than the next highest spender—to support its most economically disadvantaged students (74.9% free/reduced lunch).

A clear performance drop-off occurs as students transition from elementary to middle school, with proficiency rates declining significantly at Siloam Springs Intermediate School (grades 5-6) and Delbert Pete & Pat Allen Elementary (grades 1-2) serving as the foundational entry point. The district's spending disparity is notable, with Northside's high investment contrasting sharply with the $10,006 per student at Delbert Pete & Pat Allen. Overall, the district shows strong pockets of excellence—particularly at Southside Elementary and in the high school's STEM programs—but faces challenges in maintaining consistent performance across all grade levels, especially during the middle school transition years.