Northwest Elementary School

Q: Is Northwest Elementary School a good school?

Northwest Elementary School ranks 356 th of 497 Arkansas elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Summary:

Northwest Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 475 students in grades K-4 in the El Dorado School District in Arkansas. The school has been rated 1-3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger over the past several years, indicating average to below-average performance compared to other Arkansas elementary schools.

Northwest Elementary School consistently underperforms the El Dorado School District and the state of Arkansas in standardized test scores across all subjects and grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, only 30.1% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 32.8% for the district and 33.8% for the state. The school's math proficiency rate of 22.3% is also significantly lower than the district (30%) and state (36.4%) averages. Additionally, Northwest Elementary School has a 100% free/reduced lunch rate, indicating a high-poverty student population, which is significantly higher than the nearby Hugh Goodwin Elementary (100%) and Yocum Elementary (99.83%), and much higher than the more affluent Parkers Chapel Elementary (37.17%).

Despite the school's challenges, the relatively low student-teacher ratio of 16.8 and higher-than-average spending per student of $8,383 suggest that there may be opportunities to implement targeted interventions and strategies to improve student outcomes. The performance of Northwest Elementary School stands in stark contrast to the nearby Hugh Goodwin Elementary, which has significantly higher test scores and a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating that factors beyond just student demographics and funding may be contributing to the differences in academic achievement.

Detail:

Public K-4

1600 N College Ave
El Dorado, AR 71730

(870) 864-5078

District: El Dorado School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
356^th of 497 Arkansas Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $8,383

Students who attend Northwest Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Barton Junior High School
	Washington Middle School
High:	El Dorado High School

Student/teacher ratio: 17.8

Number of students: 470

Racial breakdown:

African American:

50.6%

White:

30.2%

Hispanic:

11.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Arkansas elementary schools

Compare Northwest Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Northwest Elementary School ranks worse than 71.6% of elementary schools in Arkansas. It also ranks 2^nd among 3 ranked elementary schools in the El Dorado School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 33.71. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Northwest Elementary School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the El Dorado School District. Racial makeup is: African American (50.6%), White (30.2%), Hispanic (11.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northwest Elementary School is 17.8. 1 elementary schools in the El Dorado School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Northwest Elementary School employs 26.3 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwest Elementary School is $8,383. 1 elementary schools in the El Dorado School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Northwest Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

El Dorado School District:

SchoolDigger ranks El Dorado School District 127^th of 252 Arkansas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Northwest Elementary School.

What do you think?

Your rating for Northwest Elementary School?

(Ranking FAQ)

Rank History for Northwest Elementary School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	AR State Percentile
2005	42.87	269^th	411	34.5%
2006	52.52	225^th	402	44.0%
2007	54.00	232^nd	440	47.3%
2008	48.94	270^th	439	38.5%
2009	45.55	285^th	445	36.0%
2010	41.61	324^th	457	29.1%
2011	47.30	295^th	471	37.4%
2012	61.10	207^th	468	55.8%
2013	56.16	241^st	476	49.4%
2014	52.67	254^th	471	46.1%
2015	44.65	257^th	466	44.8%
2016	45.31	298^th	494	39.7%
2017	33.46	350^th	485	27.8%
2018	44.06	293^rd	480	39.0%
2019	30.95	369^th	488	24.4%
2021	49.98	278^th	496	44.0%
2022	63.80	175^th	487	64.1%
2023	62.28	192^nd	492	61.0%
2024	33.71	356^th	497	28.4%

See the entire list of Arkansas Elementary School Rankings!

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

Data source: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent on FaceBook
Friday, January 15, 2016

When I was a nervous mother of two Pre-K students searching for the best place to enroll my boys for Kindergarten, Northwest Elementary was the only school that felt like home. My husband and I knew it was the best fit for our boys. That was four years ago and we have been beyond pleased with our choice. All of their teachers have been warm, accessible, enthusiastic, and caring. They care for the whole child, nurturing their social, emotional, and physical development in addition to supporting their academic growth. My kids want to be there. What more could I say? Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, January 14, 2016

Great school, and great staff! I would definitely recommend this school. Parent of one child that is currently enrolled, and one that has graduated. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, January 14, 2016

The staff at Northwest goes above and beyond the call of duty for their students! We love this school. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Northwest Elementary School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1988	209	249	3	0	0	n/a	n/a	461
1989	188	278	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	466
1990	230	247	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	478
1991	206	268	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	474
1992	188	242	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	430
1993	190	204	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	394
1994	202	231	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	433
1995	204	247	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	451
1996	204	247	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	451
1997	194	259	0	4	0	n/a	n/a	457
1998	193	271	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	465
1999	164	281	1	7	0	n/a	n/a	453
2000	187	257	2	5	0	n/a	n/a	451
2001	179	239	3	4	0	n/a	n/a	425
2002	155	194	1	20	0	n/a	n/a	370
2003	155	194	1	20	0	n/a	n/a	370
2004	127	229	2	7	0	n/a	n/a	365
2005	121	196	4	12	0	n/a	n/a	333
2006	138	199	3	21	0	n/a	n/a	361
2007	148	223	3	25	0	n/a	n/a	399
2008	158	230	1	34	0	n/a	n/a	423
2009	176	215	1	37	0	n/a	n/a	429
2010	196	194	0	33	1	0	8	432
2011	233	172	1	29	0	0	5	440
2012	255	152	1	36	0	0	6	450
2013	291	145	1	34	0	0	9	480
2014	283	139	5	32	0	0	12	471
2015	282	147	5	36	0	0	20	490
2016	257	156	4	44	1	0	24	486
2017	223	187	3	49	1	0	17	480
2018	227	196	3	49	1	0	14	490
2019	217	203	2	66	1	0	18	507
2020	221	193	0	60	1	0	13	488
2021	199	209	0	58	0	0	16	482
2022	194	208	0	51	0	1	23	477
2023	167	219	2	53	0	1	33	475
2024	142	238	3	56	0	1	30	470

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 Northwest Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	461	26.5	17.3	n/a
1989	466	29.0	16.0	n/a
1990	478	28.0	17.0	45.6
1991	474	27.6	17.1	50
1992	430	26.4	16.2	55.3
1993	394	24.4	16.1	51.8
1994	433	23.0	18.8	49.7
1995	451	29.4	15.3	71.2
1996	451	29.4	15.3	71.2
1997	457	26.0	17.6	77
1998	465	26.0	17.9	64.5
1999	453	23.1	19.6	68.4
2000	451	25.0	18.0	65
2001	425	20.0	21.3	59.5
2002	370	22.0	16.8	59.7
2003	370	22.0	16.8	59.7
2004	365	24.0	15.2	61.1
2005	333	25.0	13.3	66.4
2006	361	24.0	15.0	68.4
2007	399	29.0	13.8	75.2
2008	423	30.0	14.1	69.5
2009	429	29.0	14.8	66.9
2010	432	28.6	13.9	63.7
2011	440	30.8	14.2	56.4
2012	450	27.6	16.2	51.1
2013	480	28.4	16.8	52.7
2014	471	31.1	15.1	50.1
2015	490	31.0	15.8	54.3
2016	486	32.0	15.1	54.9
2017	480	31.3	15.2	20.6
2018	490	33.9	14.4	29.4
2019	507	29.4	17.2	100
2020	488	32.4	15.0	100
2021	482	31.0	15.5	100
2022	477	27.9	17.0	100
2023	475	28.1	16.8	100
2024	470	26.3	17.8	100

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 Northwest Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	461	26.5	17.3	n/a
1989	466	29.0	16.0	n/a
1990	478	28.0	17.0	45.6
1991	474	27.6	17.1	50
1992	430	26.4	16.2	55.3
1993	394	24.4	16.1	51.8
1994	433	23.0	18.8	49.7
1995	451	29.4	15.3	71.2
1996	451	29.4	15.3	71.2
1997	457	26.0	17.6	77
1998	465	26.0	17.9	64.5
1999	453	23.1	19.6	68.4
2000	451	25.0	18.0	65
2001	425	20.0	21.3	59.5
2002	370	22.0	16.8	59.7
2003	370	22.0	16.8	59.7
2004	365	24.0	15.2	61.1
2005	333	25.0	13.3	66.4
2006	361	24.0	15.0	68.4
2007	399	29.0	13.8	75.2
2008	423	30.0	14.1	69.5
2009	429	29.0	14.8	66.9
2010	432	28.6	13.9	63.7
2011	440	30.8	14.2	56.4
2012	450	27.6	16.2	51.1
2013	480	28.4	16.8	52.7
2014	471	31.1	15.1	50.1
2015	490	31.0	15.8	54.3
2016	486	32.0	15.1	54.9
2017	480	31.3	15.2	20.6
2018	490	33.9	14.4	29.4
2019	507	29.4	17.2	100
2020	488	32.4	15.0	100
2021	482	31.0	15.5	100
2022	477	27.9	17.0	100
2023	475	28.1	16.8	100
2024	470	26.3	17.8	100

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 Northwest Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,858 (22.2%)	$6,525 (77.8%)	$8,383

Data source: Arkansas Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwest 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 369^th of 488 Elementary schools	Ranks 192^nd of 492 Elementary schools	36.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English (Northwest Elementary School)	63	65.5	2.5%
3rd Grade English (El Dorado School District)	68.6	67.5	1.1%
3rd Grade English (Arkansas)	72.4	62.6	9.8%
3rd Grade Math (Northwest Elementary School)	46	44.5	1.5%
3rd Grade Math (El Dorado School District)	55.4	52.9	2.5%
3rd Grade Math (Arkansas)	62.1	54.4	7.7%
3rd Grade Science (Northwest Elementary School)	26.2	34.4	8.2%
3rd Grade Science (El Dorado School District)	39.3	32.2	7.1%
3rd Grade Science (Arkansas)	39.4	35	4.4%
3rd Grade Reading (Northwest Elementary School)	30.3	33.4	3.1%
3rd Grade Reading (El Dorado School District)	37.5	38.6	1.1%
3rd Grade Reading (Arkansas)	38.3	32.2	6.1%
4th Grade English (Northwest Elementary School)	62.9	76.5	13.6%
4th Grade English (El Dorado School District)	62.6	65.5	2.9%
4th Grade English (Arkansas)	69.6	63.3	6.3%
4th Grade Math (Northwest Elementary School)	38.1	49	10.9%
4th Grade Math (El Dorado School District)	44.8	42.6	2.2%
4th Grade Math (Arkansas)	53.8	48.6	5.2%
4th Grade Science (Northwest Elementary School)	37.1	44.9	7.8%
4th Grade Science (El Dorado School District)	36.1	34.5	1.6%
4th Grade Science (Arkansas)	42.3	38.5	3.8%
4th Grade Reading (Northwest Elementary School)	46.4	55.1	8.7%
4th Grade Reading (El Dorado School District)	40.7	45.9	5.2%
4th Grade Reading (Arkansas)	45.3	42	3.3%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	507	475	6.3%
African American	203	219	7.9%
American Indian	1	0	100%
Asian	2	2
Hispanic	66	53	19.7%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	217	167	23%
Two or More Races	18	33	83.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	100%	100%

Schools Near Northwest Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				ATLAS English Language Arts (2024)					ATLAS Reading (2024)					ATLAS Mathematics (2024)					ATLAS Science (2024)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ATLAS English Language Arts 3rd Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 4th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 6th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts All Grades	ATLAS Reading 3rd Grade	ATLAS Reading 4th Grade	ATLAS Reading 5th Grade	ATLAS Reading 6th Grade	ATLAS Reading All Grades	ATLAS Mathematics 3rd Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 4th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 5th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 6th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics All Grades	ATLAS Science 3rd Grade	ATLAS Science 4th Grade	ATLAS Science 5th Grade	ATLAS Science 6th Grade	ATLAS Science All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Northwest Elementary School	Public	K-4	1600 N College Ave	El Dorado	71730	Union County	El Dorado School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 864-5078	470	26	17.8	100.0%	142 (30.2%)	238 (50.6%)	56 (11.9%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	30 (6.4%)	33.7	356^th of 497 public elementary schools	28.4%		62.3	192^nd of 492 public elementary schools	61.0%	164	31.2	29.1			30.1	32.2	28.5			30.3	29.0	15.8			22.3	31.2	21.0			26.1	$8,383	$1,858	$6,525
Hugh Goodwin Elementary School	Public	K-4	201 E Fifth St	El Dorado	71730	Union County	El Dorado School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 864-5071	474	26	18.2	104.6%	268 (56.5%)	141 (29.7%)	37 (7.8%)	5 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (4.9%)	88.7	38^th of 497 public elementary schools	92.4%		77.9	92^nd of 492 public elementary schools	81.3%	54	60.8	61.8			61.4	58.1	61.2			59.7	47.3	65.3			56.6	50.5	44.9			47.7	$7,563	$1,133	$6,430
Yocum Elementary School	Public	K-4	308 S College St	El Dorado	71730	Union County	El Dorado School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 864-5096	575	40	14.2	99.8%	113 (19.7%)	377 (65.6%)	47 (8.2%)	7 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (5.4%)	16	437^th of 497 public elementary schools	12.1%		19.1	414^th of 492 public elementary schools	15.9%	23	20.6	19.8			20.2	20.4	16.5			18.9	20.3	20.6			20.5	13.4	15.5			14.2	$9,583	$1,257	$8,325
Parkers Chapel Elementary School	Public	K-6	401 Parkers Chapel Rd	El Dorado	71730	Union County	Parkers Chapel School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 862-9767	419	28	14.8	40.8%	350 (83.5%)	32 (7.6%)	20 (4.8%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (3.6%)	81.3	70^th of 497 public elementary schools	85.9%		76.6	106^th of 492 public elementary schools	78.5%	36	50.0	54.4	39.1	38.9	45.5	53.5	52.7	42.2	38.9	46.8	53.5	59.6	68.7	53.7	59.3	50.0	47.3	42.2	48.1	46.8	$7,963	$808	$7,155
Smackover Elementary School	Public	K-4	701 Magnolia St	Smackover	71762	Union County	Smackover-Norphlet School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 725-3601	418	32	13.0	67.2%	321 (76.8%)	59 (14.1%)	18 (4.3%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (4.3%)	50.3	261^st of 497 public elementary schools	47.5%		46.1	306^th of 492 public elementary schools	37.8%	45	33.8	37.4			35.7	33.8	40.7			37.4	20.1	37.4			29.2	36.3	34.1			35.1	$11,686	$3,138	$8,548
Junction City Elementary School	Public	K-6	200 W Holly Rd	Junction City	71749	Union County	Junction City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(870) 924-4578	372	28	13.2	68.3%	210 (56.5%)	140 (37.6%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.3%)	1 (0.3%)	15 (4.0%)	34.6	352^nd of 497 public elementary schools	29.2%		39.6	333^rd of 492 public elementary schools	32.3%	19	27.6	38.3	27.8	15.9	26.6	25.8	38.3	24.1	14.3	24.8	27.6	31.9	26.0	30.1	28.9	25.8	51.1	35.2	11.1	29.3	$11,178	$2,434	$8,744

Northwest Elementary School

El Dorado School District:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Northwest Elementary School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Northwest Elementary School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwest Elementary School

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwest Elementary School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwest Elementary School

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwest Elementary School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Northwest Elementary School

Northwest Elementary School

Hugh Goodwin Elementary School

Yocum Elementary School

Parkers Chapel Elementary School

Smackover Elementary School

Junction City Elementary School

Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest Elementary School

What schools do graduates of Northwest Elementary School attend?

Is Northwest Elementary School a good school?

How many students attend Northwest Elementary School?

What district is Northwest Elementary School in?

What is the racial makeup of Northwest Elementary School?

Rate Northwest Elementary School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Sign up for updates!