Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

Summary:

Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School is a public elementary school in Hot Springs, Arkansas, serving 356 students in grades K-6. The school is part of the Cutter-Morning Star School District, which is ranked 166 out of 252 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Cutter-Morning Star Elementary consistently performs below the state average in proficiency rates across all subjects and grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates in English Language Arts (35.4%), Reading (37.9%), and Mathematics (30.3%) were all lower than the state averages (33.8%, 34.1%, and 36.4%, respectively). The school also has a very high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 70.79% to 80.83% over the past three school years, significantly higher than the state average. However, the school's student-teacher ratio is generally lower than nearby schools, ranging from 11.6 to 16.4 students per teacher.

Compared to nearby schools, Cutter-Morning Star Elementary's performance is generally lower, particularly when compared to the magnet schools in the Hot Springs School District, such as Park Magnet, Main Street Visual & Performing Arts Magnet, Oaklawn STEM Magnet, and Langston Elementary Leadership Academy Magnet, which consistently outperform Cutter-Morning Star Elementary in test scores and have higher state rankings. The Lakeside School District, which includes Lakeside Intermediate School and Lakeside Primary School, also stands out as a high-performing district in the area, with significantly higher proficiency rates and state rankings compared to Cutter-Morning Star Elementary.


Detail:

Public K-6

 2801 Spring St
       Hot Springs, AR  71901


(501) 262-1883

District: Cutter-Morning Star School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
253rd of 497 Arkansas Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,697 Help


Students who attend Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Cutter-Morning Star High School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.6 Help
Number of students:  356

Racial breakdown:

White:
72.5%
Hispanic:
11.8%
Two or more races:
9.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  70.8% Help


 See top rated Arkansas elementary schools

 Compare Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School ranks worse than 50.9% of elementary schools in Arkansas. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 50.96. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (72.5%), Hispanic (11.8%), two or more races (9.8%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 70.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School is 11.6. (See more...)
Help
Compare Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School employs 30.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School is $8,697.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Cutter-Morning Star School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Cutter-Morning Star School District 166th of 252 Arkansas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 74.47 84th 411 79.6%
2006 70.80 111th 402 72.4%
2007 78.30 72nd 440 83.6%
2008 77.17 69th 439 84.3%
2009 86.56 26th 445 94.2%
2010 82.16 46th 457 89.9%
2011 81.77 46th 471 90.2%
2012 70.38 125th 468 73.3%
2013 64.35 175th 476 63.2%
2014 62.04 181st 471 61.6%
2015 64.28 137th 466 70.6%
2016 45.80 295th 494 40.3%
2017 24.81 394th 485 18.8%
2018 32.04 360th 480 25.0%
2019 52.31 259th 488 46.9%
2021 52.33 258th 496 48.0%
2022 52.83 255th 487 47.6%
2023 44.50 313th 492 36.4%
2024 50.96 253rd 497 49.1%
See the entire list of Arkansas Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    







Data source: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
33%

67%

0%

0%

0%

  

by a parent
Monday, August 13, 2018

Open Quote Great school! They are quite small, and not too well funded. But my children are challenged academically, and have great teachers. I have had nothing but positive experiences with every member of the staff, and it is clear that they care deeply about the children and education. They work hard to make sure their students are safe, and go out of their way to help any student or their family in any way they can. Their test scores definitely aren't perfect, but a good majority of the students come from low-income families, or troubled backgrounds. All things considered, they do their job better than most schools in this situation. I hope to never leave this school district. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, August 2, 2010

Open Quote I moved my children from Lake Hamilton to Cutter it's a 20 minute commute each way and very worth it- Instead of unfriendly faces when you walk into a school it's lit up and smiling people who make you feel welcome. The large schools are business only and run that way to the extent of tearing down and frightening your children my kids were scared to eat lunch the wrong way but now in our new school they are excited to go to school and I am not worried about them I feel they are genuinely being cared for and nurtured not just a dollar amount to a principal. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 310 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 310
1989 307 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 307
1990 275 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 275
1991 275 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 275
1992 278 5 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 283
1993 277 5 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 282
1994 276 3 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 279
1995 307 6 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 315
1996 307 6 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 315
1997 301 6 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 307
1998 306 4 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 310
1999 352 7 0 5 1 n/a n/a 0 365
2000 341 10 0 5 1 n/a n/a 0 357
2001 338 9 0 2 3 n/a n/a 0 352
2002 334 15 1 10 3 n/a n/a 0 363
2003 334 15 1 10 3 n/a n/a 0 363
2004 309 9 0 20 3 n/a n/a 0 341
2005 315 13 0 24 5 n/a n/a 0 357
2006 311 9 2 22 5 n/a n/a 0 349
2007 296 11 1 22 9 n/a n/a 0 339
2008 305 14 0 18 9 n/a n/a 0 346
2009 289 14 0 18 9 n/a n/a 0 330
2010 309 13 1 18 6 0 11 0 358
2011 277 13 3 17 3 5 13 0 331
2012 286 13 2 24 3 0 12 0 340
2013 263 15 2 24 4 1 6 0 315
2014 277 16 1 34 2 1 17 0 348
2015 269 11 1 37 2 0 20 0 340
2016 227 7 1 45 5 0 29 0 314
2017 232 11 1 48 4 0 25 0 321
2018 260 13 1 52 9 0 31 0 366
2019 266 12 3 40 3 0 23 0 347
2020 284 11 4 43 3 0 27 0 372
2021 251 5 2 41 5 0 25 0 329
2022 268 8 1 49 5 1 28 0 360
2023 258 7 5 42 4 5 35 0 356

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 310 16.6 18.6 n/a
1989 307 19.0 16.1 n/a
1990 275 17.0 16.1 39.3
1991 275 16.6 16.5 37.8
1992 283 15.1 18.7 38.9
1993 282 16.5 17.1 35.8
1994 279 17.4 16.0 34.1
1995 315 17.7 17.8 40
1996 315 17.7 17.8 40
1997 307 17.4 17.6 35.5
1998 310 17.4 17.8 37.7
1999 365 19.8 18.4 53.4
2000 357 22.0 16.2 49.6
2001 352 21.0 16.8 47.2
2002 363 25.0 14.5 54
2003 363 25.0 14.5 54
2004 341 27.0 12.6 52.2
2005 357 30.0 11.9 54.1
2006 349 26.0 13.4 59
2007 339 30.0 11.3 63.1
2008 346 32.0 10.8 59.8
2009 330 30.0 11.0 61.8
2010 358 31.5 11.9 66.5
2011 331 30.6 10.7 65.6
2012 340 24.3 13.9 67.9
2013 315 20.4 15.3 73
2014 348 21.9 15.8 75
2015 340 25.0 13.6 77.1
2016 314 24.0 13.0 78
2017 321 20.3 15.7 36.8
2018 366 23.7 15.3 32.8
2019 347 21.1 16.3 78.1
2020 372 25.6 14.5 80.6
2021 329 22.2 14.8 79.9
2022 360 21.9 16.4 80.8
2023 356 30.5 11.6 70.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 310 16.6 18.6 n/a
1989 307 19.0 16.1 n/a
1990 275 17.0 16.1 39.3
1991 275 16.6 16.5 37.8
1992 283 15.1 18.7 38.9
1993 282 16.5 17.1 35.8
1994 279 17.4 16.0 34.1
1995 315 17.7 17.8 40
1996 315 17.7 17.8 40
1997 307 17.4 17.6 35.5
1998 310 17.4 17.8 37.7
1999 365 19.8 18.4 53.4
2000 357 22.0 16.2 49.6
2001 352 21.0 16.8 47.2
2002 363 25.0 14.5 54
2003 363 25.0 14.5 54
2004 341 27.0 12.6 52.2
2005 357 30.0 11.9 54.1
2006 349 26.0 13.4 59
2007 339 30.0 11.3 63.1
2008 346 32.0 10.8 59.8
2009 330 30.0 11.0 61.8
2010 358 31.5 11.9 66.5
2011 331 30.6 10.7 65.6
2012 340 24.3 13.9 67.9
2013 315 20.4 15.3 73
2014 348 21.9 15.8 75
2015 340 25.0 13.6 77.1
2016 314 24.0 13.0 78
2017 321 20.3 15.7 36.8
2018 366 23.7 15.3 32.8
2019 347 21.1 16.3 78.1
2020 372 25.6 14.5 80.6
2021 329 22.2 14.8 79.9
2022 360 21.9 16.4 80.8
2023 356 30.5 11.6 70.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,715 (19.7%) $6,983 (80.3%) $8,697

Data source: Arkansas Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 259th of 488 Elementary schoolsRanks 313th of 492 Elementary schools
 10.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)88.973.7
 15.2%
   3rd Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star School District)88.973.7
 15.2%
   3rd Grade English (Arkansas)72.462.6
 9.8%
3rd Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)73.347.3
 26%
   3rd Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star School District)73.347.3
 26%
   3rd Grade Math (Arkansas)62.154.4
 7.7%
3rd Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)4034.2
 5.8%
   3rd Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star School District)4034.2
 5.8%
   3rd Grade Science (Arkansas)39.435
 4.4%
3rd Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)31.129
 2.1%
   3rd Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star School District)31.129
 2.1%
   3rd Grade Reading (Arkansas)38.332.2
 6.1%
4th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)7066.2
 3.8%
   4th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star School District)7066.2
 3.8%
   4th Grade English (Arkansas)69.663.3
 6.3%
4th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)5436.9
 17.1%
   4th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star School District)5436.9
 17.1%
   4th Grade Math (Arkansas)53.848.6
 5.2%
4th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)3438.4
 4.4%
   4th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star School District)3438.4
 4.4%
   4th Grade Science (Arkansas)42.338.5
 3.8%
4th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)4040
   4th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star School District)4040
   4th Grade Reading (Arkansas)45.342
 3.3%
5th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)7971.4
 7.6%
   5th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star School District)7971.4
 7.6%
   5th Grade English (Arkansas)73.370.2
 3.1%
5th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)35.523.2
 12.3%
   5th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star School District)35.523.2
 12.3%
   5th Grade Math (Arkansas)49.240.7
 8.5%
5th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)4225
 17%
   5th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star School District)4225
 17%
   5th Grade Science (Arkansas)40.734.6
 6.1%
5th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)31.239.3
 8.1%
   5th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star School District)31.239.3
 8.1%
   5th Grade Reading (Arkansas)4136.8
 4.2%
6th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)79.561.8
 17.7%
   6th Grade English (Cutter-Morning Star School District)79.561.8
 17.7%
   6th Grade English (Arkansas)72.867.6
 5.2%
6th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)3429.4
 4.6%
   6th Grade Math (Cutter-Morning Star School District)3429.4
 4.6%
   6th Grade Math (Arkansas)53.747
 6.7%
6th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)59.132.3
 26.8%
   6th Grade Science (Cutter-Morning Star School District)59.132.3
 26.8%
   6th Grade Science (Arkansas)45.840.3
 5.5%
6th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School)45.520.6
 24.9%
   6th Grade Reading (Cutter-Morning Star School District)45.520.6
 24.9%
   6th Grade Reading (Arkansas)43.139
 4.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students347356
 2.6%
African American127
 41.7%
American Indian34
 33.3%
Asian35
 66.7%
Hispanic4042
 5%
Pacific Islander05
White266258
 3%
Two or More Races2335
 52.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients78.1%70.8%
 7.3%


Schools Near Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School

Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School ranks 253rd of 497 Arkansas elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Cutter-Morning Star High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 356 students attended Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School.

Students at Cutter-Morning Star Elementary School are 72% White, 12% Hispanic, 10% Two or more races, 2% African American, 1% Asian, 1% Pacific Islander, 1% American Indian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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