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Needs Improvement

#1011 of 1,036 schools in AR

Ellen Smith Elementary School

Elementary School · CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT

1601 S DONAGHEY AVE, Conway, AR 72034

Enrollment

454

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

3.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arkansas schools

#1,011 of 1,036

In Conway

#16 of 16

public schools

In district

#16 of 16

CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Ellen Smith Elementary School

3.2/10

Elementary School in Conway · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Carl Stuart Middle School

7.1/10

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

Sallie Cone Preschool

5.8/10

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

About Ellen Smith Elementary School

Ellen Smith Elementary School is a public elementary school in Conway, AR, part of CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Ellen Smith Elementary School serves approximately 454 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Ellen Smith Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,011 of 1,036 schools in AR.

Structured state assessment records for Ellen Smith Elementary School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.1 pts below district
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.3
  • AR avg 6.2

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.42 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.1% (2025 ATLAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency29.9% (2025 ATLAS)
Math vs. State Avg-15.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.1 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2025 ATLAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2025 ATLAS)
vs. Expected-8.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,689
Chronic Absenteeism23.6%

Ellen Smith Elementary School — Students at Ellen Smith Elementary School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 65.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
41.5% (2025 ATLAS)
ELA Proficiency 58.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
37.7% (2025 ATLAS)

Based on 34 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
92%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
97%
ELA
95%
2011
Math
96%
ELA
98%
2012
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2013
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2014
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
57%
ELA
42%
2025
Math
24.1%
ELA
29.9%

* 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: 2.0/10.

How Ellen Smith Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.2/10
3th percentile in AR
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
23.6%

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

1601 S DONAGHEY AVE, Conway, AR 72034

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ellen Smith Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. CAROLYN LEWIS ELEMENTARY SCHOO (rated 8.1/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is JULIA LEE MOORE ELEM. SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WOODROW CUMMINS ELEMENTARY SCH (rated 7.0/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Conway, see our Conway schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.8 mi
School Distance Rating
CARL STUART MIDDLE SCHOOL Conway 1.6 mi 7.1
SALLIE CONE PRESCHOOL Conway 1.7 mi 5.8
COMPASS ACADEMY Conway 1.5 mi 8.1
MARGUERITE VANN ELEM. SCHOOL Conway 1.7 mi 3.4
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Conway 2.3 mi 8.7
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Conway 2.4 mi 7.4
CAROLYN LEWIS ELEMENTARY SCHOO Conway 2.1 mi 8.1
CONWAY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Conway 2.7 mi 5.9
CONWAY HIGH SCHOOL Conway 2.7 mi 6.5
IDA BURNS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Conway 2.8 mi 4.6
JULIA LEE MOORE ELEM. SCHOOL Conway 3.3 mi 7.4
JIM STONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Conway 3.2 mi 4.6
CONWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Conway 3.4 mi 5.3
BOB COURTWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL Conway 3.8 mi 5.5
THEODORE JONES ELEM. SCHOOL Conway 4.1 mi 4.4
PRESTON & FLORENCE MATTISON ELEM. SCHOOL Conway 4.0 mi 4.6
RAY/PHYLLIS SIMON MIDDLE SCHOO Conway 4.2 mi 7.0
RUTH DOYLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Conway 4.3 mi 8.5
WOODROW CUMMINS ELEMENTARY SCH Conway 4.8 mi 7.0
MAYFLOWER HIGH SCHOOL Mayflower 6.8 mi 4.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 72034 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,675

Median Home Value

$250,000

Median Rent

$993/mo

Population

49,420

College Educated

44.3%

Homeownership

46.7%

Avg Commute

23.4 min

Poverty Rate

17.3%

Median Age

31.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
BRADY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 3.3
MEADOW PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL North Little Rock, AR 3.3
PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Corning, AR 3.3
ANGIE GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Benton, AR 3.1
WATSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 3.1
WESTERN HILLS ELEM. SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 3.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ellen Smith Elementary School

What grades does Ellen Smith Elementary School serve?

Ellen Smith Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.

How many students attend Ellen Smith Elementary School?

Ellen Smith Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 454 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ellen Smith Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Ellen Smith Elementary School is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ellen Smith Elementary School rank in AR?

Ellen Smith Elementary School ranks #1,011 of 1,036 schools in AR.

What is Ellen Smith Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ellen Smith Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Ellen Smith Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ellen Smith Elementary School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Ellen Smith Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Ellen Smith Elementary School a Title I school?

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

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

64.8% of students at Ellen Smith 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
12 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
454
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Faulkner County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
23.6%

District

CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
10,174
Schools in District
16
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,689
District Rank
#16 of 16

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