Summary:
In zip code 72840, there is one elementary school, Westside Elementary School, serving grades PK through 5 in Hartman, Arkansas, with 279 students and a very high rate of economic disadvantage (98.92% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch).
As the only school in the area, Westside Elementary stands out for its strong academic trajectory and notable improvements. The school has shown consistent upward movement in its state ranking, rising from the 41st percentile in 2023-2024 to the 45th percentile in 2025-2026. Most impressively, the school achieved dramatic year-over-year gains in Mathematics (a 13.0 percentage point increase to 46.1% proficiency) and Science (an 11.5 percentage point increase to 40.8% proficiency), now exceeding the state average in Math. The 5th grade cohort in 2025-2026 is a particular highlight, outperforming state averages in all four tested subjects, including 57.9% proficiency in Math versus 45% statewide. The school also consistently outperforms its own district, Westside School District (Johnson), by a wide margin—for example, 46.1% Math proficiency compared to the district's 35.2%.
Key metrics include a student-teacher ratio of 17.6:1 and per-student spending of $13,964. While overall proficiency rates are near or slightly below state averages in English Language Arts (36.5% vs. 39.4%) and Reading (34.7% vs. 40.4%), the school's strong performance in Mathematics and its rapid academic growth suggest effective teaching and targeted interventions. For parents, Westside Elementary represents a school that is making significant strides despite challenging demographics, with a clear upward trend and standout grade-level achievements that indicate a positive and improving learning environment.
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