Pulaski County Special School District

The Pulaski County Special School District in Arkansas encompasses 25 schools, including 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population and has a mix of high-performing and underperforming schools based on academic proficiency rates.

Among the standout schools in the district are Chenal Elementary School and Baker Elementary School, which consistently rank among the top performers in the state. These schools have significantly higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, and Science compared to the district and state averages. In contrast, some schools like Harris Elementary School and Oak Grove Elementary School struggle with very low proficiency rates.

The data reveals a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance, with schools serving higher percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch generally having lower proficiency rates. Additionally, factors such as spending per student and student-teacher ratios do not appear to be the primary drivers of school performance, suggesting that other factors, such as teacher quality, curriculum, and school leadership, likely play a significant role in shaping student outcomes. The district's overall performance lags behind the state averages, indicating a need for targeted interventions and support to address the disparities and improve academic achievement across the Pulaski County Special School District.