Summary:
In zip code 72846, there is one middle school, Lamar Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 in the town of Lamar, Arkansas, as part of the Lamar School District.
Lamar Middle School has shown impressive improvement, rising from the 47th percentile in state rankings for 2023-2024 to the 57th percentile (3 stars) for 2025-2026. This upward trend is supported by consistent year-over-year growth in all core subjects. The school serves 294 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and per-student spending of $11,904. A standout feature is the school's Algebra program, where 100% of tested students were proficient in 2025-2026, far exceeding the state average of 36.9%. However, overall proficiency in English Language Arts (34.5%), Reading (34.7%), Mathematics (37.7%), and Science (42.5%) trails the state averages. Notably, 8th graders significantly outperform state averages in every subject, while 5th and 6th graders lag behind, suggesting academic strength is concentrated in the upper grades.
The school's most compelling story is its significant ranking improvement despite serving a student population where nearly 99% qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating high economic disadvantage. This resilience suggests effective interventions or curriculum changes are driving positive results. The Lamar School District itself is ranked 72nd out of 251 in Arkansas (71st percentile) with a 4-star rating, reflecting strong overall district performance. For parents, Lamar Middle School offers a dedicated learning environment with improving test scores, a standout Algebra program, and a clear focus on academic growth, particularly for its 8th-grade students.
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