Best Public Schools in North Little Rock, AR

The North Little Rock, Arkansas area is home to 21 schools, including 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 5 high schools, across the North Little Rock School District and other local districts. While some standout schools like Crestwood Elementary School and Lakewood Elementary School perform well above the district and state averages, the overall academic performance in the area is concerning, with many schools struggling to meet proficiency targets.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic achievement between the top-performing and lower-performing schools in the North Little Rock area. For instance, North Little Rock Center of Excellence, a public charter high school, outperforms the traditional North Little Rock High School in several subjects. Additionally, the two public charter schools in the area, Westwind School for Performing Arts and North Little Rock Center of Excellence, appear to have higher test scores compared to the district's traditional public schools.

The high poverty levels, with most schools having over 95% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, likely contribute to the academic challenges faced by many schools in the North Little Rock area. The wide range in per-student spending and student-teacher ratios across the district suggests that some schools may have access to more resources and support than others, which could further exacerbate the performance gaps. Addressing these disparities and implementing targeted strategies to improve outcomes, especially at the high school level, will be crucial for the North Little Rock School District and the community as a whole.