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Average

#827 of 1,036 schools in AR

Shirley Elementary School

Elementary School · SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

154 SCHOOL DR, Shirley, AR 72153

Enrollment

181

Student-Teacher

12.9:1

Score

5.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arkansas schools

#827 of 1,036

In Shirley

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

School environment

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Shirley Elementary School

5.0/10

Elementary School in Shirley · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Shirley High School

6.8/10

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

Rural Special Elem. School

8.0/10

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

About Shirley Elementary School

Shirley Elementary School is a public elementary school in Shirley, AR, part of SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Shirley Elementary School serves approximately 181 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Shirley Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #827 of 1,036 schools in AR.

Structured state assessment records for Shirley Elementary School show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.2 pts below AR schools
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • AR avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 181 students, Shirley Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Shirley Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.99 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.3% (2025 ATLAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.6% (2025 ATLAS)
Math vs. State Avg-11.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.4 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2025 ATLAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2025 ATLAS)
vs. Expected+3.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,013
Chronic Absenteeism25.4%

Shirley Elementary School — Students at Shirley Elementary School score 27% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 46.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.1% (2025 ATLAS)
ELA Proficiency 42.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
36.9% (2025 ATLAS)

Based on 40 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
77%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
28.3%
ELA
25.6%

* 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: 2.8/10.

How Shirley Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.0/10
20th percentile in AR
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.4%

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

154 SCHOOL DR, Shirley, AR 72153

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Shirley Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Bee Branch), which scores notably higher. Another option is TIMBO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 14.8 miles away, in nearby Timbo), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HEBER SPRINGS ELEM. SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 19.0 miles away, in nearby Heber Springs), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Shirley, see our Shirley schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.0 mi
School Distance Rating
SHIRLEY HIGH SCHOOL Shirley 0.1 mi 6.8
RURAL SPECIAL ELEM. SCHOOL Fox 6.6 mi 8.0
RURAL SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL Fox 6.6 mi 8.3
CLINTON JR HIGH SCHOOL Clinton 9.7 mi 8.6
WEST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Greers Ferry 9.8 mi 8.0
WEST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL Greers Ferry 9.8 mi 7.4
CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL Clinton 9.7 mi 8.2
CLINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clinton 9.9 mi 7.1
TIMBO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Timbo 14.8 mi 8.3
TIMBO HIGH SCHOOL Timbo 14.8 mi 6.5
SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bee Branch 16.5 mi 8.5
SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL Bee Branch 16.5 mi 6.3
QUITMAN HIGH SCHOOL Quitman 20.0 mi 7.1
QUITMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Quitman 20.1 mi 7.7
QUITMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Quitman 20.1 mi 6.9
MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEM. SCHOOL Mountain View 18.7 mi 7.0
LESLIE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Leslie 18.3 mi 7.6
MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL Mountain View 18.8 mi 6.5
MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Mountain View 18.8 mi 7.2
HEBER SPRINGS ELEM. SCHOOL Heber Springs 19.0 mi 8.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 72153 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,561

Median Home Value

$124,000

Population

3,982

College Educated

9.3%

Homeownership

88.5%

Avg Commute

29.5 min

Poverty Rate

16.5%

Median Age

37.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
ST. PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL St. Paul, AR 5.0
WESTERN YELL CO. ELEM. SCHOOL Belleville, AR 5.0
KINGSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kingston, AR 5.1
MIDLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Floral, AR 4.9
ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 4.9
LAWSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Shirley Elementary School

What grades does Shirley Elementary School serve?

Shirley Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Shirley Elementary School?

Shirley Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 181 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Shirley Elementary School is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Shirley Elementary School rank in AR?

Shirley Elementary School ranks #827 of 1,036 schools in AR.

What is Shirley Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Shirley Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 Shirley Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Shirley Elementary School has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Shirley Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Shirley Elementary School a Title I school?

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

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

99.4% of students at Shirley 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
6 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
181
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Van Buren County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.4%

District

SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
315
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,013
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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