Summary:
The three public schools in zip code 72837 (Dover, AR) serve approximately 1,205 students from Pre-K through 12th grade within the Dover School District, a 4-star district ranked in the 75th percentile statewide.
Dover Elementary School is the district's standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 91st percentile. Its students significantly outperform state averages in math (63.8% proficient vs. 44.1%) and science (68.2% vs. 44.0%). In contrast, Dover High School is the weakest performer, with a 2-star rating and a sharp ranking drop to the 48th percentile. Its Algebra proficiency is a low 14.0% compared to the state's 36.9%. Dover Middle School sits in the middle, performing near state averages in core subjects but excelling in advanced math, with 85.7% of 8th graders proficient in Algebra—far above the state average of 73.9%.
A key paradox is that Dover High School has the highest per-student spending ($13,519) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (4.3:1) in the district, yet it produces the worst academic outcomes. This suggests challenges beyond resources, such as curriculum or engagement. Meanwhile, the middle school's strong Algebra program does not carry over to the high school, where proficiency plummets. The elementary school's success also does not fully translate to later grades, indicating a potential "leaky pipeline" in the district. Year-over-year ranking volatility, especially at the high school, may be due to its small size of 375 students, where one cohort can shift metrics significantly.
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