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Average

#539 of 1,036 schools in AR

Central Elementary School

Elementary School · MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

456 E NORTH ST, Magnolia, AR 71753

Enrollment

545

Student-Teacher

16.5:1

Score

6.2

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arkansas schools

#539 of 1,036

In Magnolia

#2 of 5

public schools

In district

#2 of 5

MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic growth

7.0 / 10

Very Good

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Central Elementary School

6.2/10

Elementary School in Magnolia · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Magnolia Middle School

6.6/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

East Side Elementary School

5.6/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Central Elementary School

Central Elementary School is a public elementary school in Magnolia, AR, part of MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT. Central Elementary School serves approximately 545 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 16.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #539 of 1,036 schools in AR.

Structured state assessment records for Central Elementary School show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 5.9
  • AR avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

34% of students at Central Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.0Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.9 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.5% (2025 ATLAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5% (2025 ATLAS)
Math vs. State Avg-4.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.5 pts
Overall Proficiency30% (2025 ATLAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2025 ATLAS)
vs. Expected-1.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
Resources & Environment4.0Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,374
Chronic Absenteeism33.6%

Central Elementary School — Students at Central Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.1% (2025 ATLAS)
ELA Proficiency 42.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
37.3% (2025 ATLAS)

Based on 37 test records from AR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
65%
ELA
61%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
70%
ELA
70%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
74%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
24%
ELA
29%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
45%
2016
Math
51%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
48%
ELA
38%
2018
Math
46%
ELA
41%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
41%
2020*
Math
34%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
35.5%
ELA
24.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.0/10.

How Central Elementary School Compares

See how Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
48th percentile in AR
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
7.0/10
Very Good
Environment
4.0/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
33 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
33.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

456 E NORTH ST, Magnolia, AR 71753

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 9.2/10, 12.0 miles away, in nearby Emerson), which scores notably higher. Another option is TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 17.4 miles away, in nearby Taylor), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Haynesville Elementary School (rated 6.4/10, 22.7 miles away, in nearby Haynesville), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Magnolia, see our Magnolia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 23.1 mi
School Distance Rating
MAGNOLIA MIDDLE SCHOOL Magnolia 0.1 mi 6.6
EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Magnolia 0.8 mi 5.6
MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL Magnolia 1.0 mi 6.1
COLUMBIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Magnolia 2.1 mi 6.7
WALKER PRE-K CENTER Magnolia 3.1 mi 5.1
EMERSON HIGH SCHOOL Emerson 12.0 mi 7.6
EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Emerson 12.0 mi 9.2
LAFAYETTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Lewisville 15.8 mi 5.1
TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Taylor 17.4 mi 8.5
TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL Taylor 17.4 mi 7.9
Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School Haynesville 22.3 mi 7.4
NEVADA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rosston 22.5 mi 4.5
NEVADA HIGH SCHOOL Rosston 22.5 mi 6.0
North Webster Lower Elementary School Shongaloo 22.7 mi 6.0
Haynesville Elementary School Haynesville 22.7 mi 6.4
SOUTH ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, INC Lewisville 19.5 mi 6.6
Browning Elementary School Springhill 22.2 mi 5.7
North Webster High School Springhill 22.7 mi 6.0
LAFAYETTE COUNTY ELEMENTARY Lewisville 20.8 mi 3.4
Brown Upper Elementary School Springhill 23.1 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 71753 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,714

Median Home Value

$166,900

Median Rent

$625/mo

Population

16,089

College Educated

21.1%

Homeownership

62.6%

Avg Commute

19.1 min

Poverty Rate

23.2%

Median Age

31.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
GREENE CTY TECH PRIMARY SCHOOL Paragould, AR 6.2
MONITOR ELEMENTARY Springdale, AR 6.2
OLD WIRE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rogers, AR 6.2
HARP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Springdale, AR 6.3
JERRY POP WILLIAMS ELEM SCH Farmington, AR 6.3
SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Siloam Springs, AR 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Elementary School

What grades does Central Elementary School serve?

Central Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Central Elementary School?

Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 545 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Elementary School rank in AR?

Central Elementary School ranks #539 of 1,036 schools in AR.

What is Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elementary School has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Central Elementary School a charter school?

No, Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary School?

76.9% of students at Central Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
57 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
46 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
545
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
33
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Columbia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
33.6%

District

MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
2,631
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,374
District Rank
#2 of 5

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