Summary:
There are five elementary schools in zip code 72903 (Fort Smith, AR), all part of the Fort Smith School District, serving grades PK-5 with a combined enrollment of about 1,820 students, and the data reveals a stark divide in academic performance and socioeconomic conditions within this single area.
John P. Woods Elementary School stands out as the clear academic leader, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 10% of Arkansas elementary schools. It achieves the highest proficiency rates in math (69.8%) and English Language Arts (59.7%) while serving the lowest percentage of economically disadvantaged students (50% free/reduced lunch). In stark contrast, Park Elementary School struggles significantly with a 0-star rating and ranks in the bottom 10% statewide, where only 19.7% of students are proficient in ELA and nearly 90% qualify for free/reduced lunch. The middle tier includes Euper Lane Elementary School, Bonneville Elementary School, and Raymond F. Orr Elementary School, all hovering around a 3-star rating, though Euper Lane shows notable year-to-year volatility in its rankings.
A key finding is that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. Raymond F. Orr spends the most per student ($16,992) but performs in the middle tier, while John P. Woods spends the least ($10,959) and achieves the best results, suggesting factors like teaching quality and community support are more critical. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between poverty levels and test scores, with schools serving higher percentages of free/reduced lunch students generally performing lower. For parents, this means the zip code offers a wide range of educational experiences, from the high-performing John P. Woods to the struggling Park Elementary, making school choice a critical decision based on individual priorities.
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