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Needs Improvement

#973 of 1,036 schools in AR

Walnut Ridge Elementary School

Elementary School · LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

508 E FREE ST, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476

Enrollment

560

Student-Teacher

14.7:1

Score

3.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arkansas schools

#973 of 1,036

In Walnut Ridge

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Walnut Ridge Elementary School

3.8/10

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

Walnut Ridge High School

6.4/10

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

Hoxie Elementary School

4.2/10

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

About Walnut Ridge Elementary School

Walnut Ridge Elementary School is a public elementary school in Walnut Ridge, AR, part of LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Walnut Ridge Elementary School serves approximately 560 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 14.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Walnut Ridge Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #973 of 1,036 schools in AR.

Structured state assessment records for Walnut Ridge Elementary School show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.4 pts below AR schools
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • AR avg 6.2

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.95 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23.5% (2025 ATLAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency21.6% (2025 ATLAS)
Math vs. State Avg-16.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.4 pts
Overall Proficiency23% (2025 ATLAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2025 ATLAS)
vs. Expected-12.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,012
Chronic Absenteeism24.6%

Walnut Ridge Elementary School — Students at Walnut Ridge Elementary School score 23% 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

67.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.1% (2025 ATLAS)
ELA Proficiency 40.8% (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
79%
ELA
68%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
83%
ELA
81%
2012
Math
80%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
74%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
18%
ELA
24%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
43%
2016
Math
53%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
54%
ELA
33%
2018
Math
48%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
48%
ELA
32%
2020*
Math
26%
ELA
20%
2021*
Math
26%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
38%
ELA
23%
2025
Math
23.5%
ELA
21.6%

* 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: 2.9/10.

How Walnut Ridge Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.8/10
6th percentile in AR
Academic
4.2/10
Below Average
Growth
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
24.6%

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

508 E FREE ST, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Walnut Ridge Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 9.0/10, 17.0 miles away, in nearby Lynn), which scores notably higher. Another option is POCAHONTAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Pocahontas), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Pocahontas), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Walnut Ridge, see our Walnut Ridge schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.3 mi
School Distance Rating
WALNUT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Walnut Ridge 0.1 mi 6.4
HOXIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hoxie 1.7 mi 4.2
HOXIE HIGH SCHOOL Hoxie 1.7 mi 5.3
ST PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Pocahontas 13.7 mi 6.4
POCAHONTAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pocahontas 14.5 mi 7.2
POCAHONTAS UPPER ELEM. SCHOOL Pocahontas 15.1 mi 3.2
POCAHONTAS HIGH SCHOOL Pocahontas 15.1 mi 6.4
POCAHONTAS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Pocahontas 15.1 mi 3.4
WESTSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL Jonesboro 16.5 mi 6.8
WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jonesboro 16.5 mi 5.5
WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Jonesboro 16.6 mi 5.5
IMBODEN AREA CHARTER SCHOOL Imboden 15.9 mi 4.6
SLOAN-HENDRIX HIGH SCHOOL Imboden 16.0 mi 5.5
SLOAN-HENDRIX ELEM. SCHOOL Imboden 16.1 mi 6.0
SWIFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Swifton 19.0 mi 7.7
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lynn 17.0 mi 9.0
RIDGEFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Jonesboro 19.5 mi 6.6
MATH & SCIENCE MAGNET SCHOOL Jonesboro 19.1 mi 3.9
ANNIE CAMP JR. HIGH SCHOOL Jonesboro 20.5 mi 5.0
LEADERSHIP MAGNET SCHOOL Jonesboro 20.3 mi 4.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 72476 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$43,034

Median Home Value

$92,000

Median Rent

$734/mo

Population

7,565

College Educated

17.9%

Homeownership

59.5%

Avg Commute

24.5 min

Poverty Rate

24.3%

Median Age

38.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
KIPP DELTA ELEM LITERACY ACAD Helena, AR 3.8
LANGSTON ELEMENTARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MAGNET SCHOOL Hot Springs, AR 3.8
SUTTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR 3.8
THIRTY-FOURTH STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pine Bluff, AR 3.8
FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Camden, AR 3.7
M.L. KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Walnut Ridge Elementary School

What grades does Walnut Ridge Elementary School serve?

Walnut Ridge Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Walnut Ridge Elementary School?

Walnut Ridge Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 560 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Walnut Ridge Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Walnut Ridge Elementary School is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Walnut Ridge Elementary School rank in AR?

Walnut Ridge Elementary School ranks #973 of 1,036 schools in AR.

What is Walnut Ridge Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Walnut Ridge Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Walnut Ridge Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Walnut Ridge Elementary School has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Walnut Ridge Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Walnut Ridge Elementary School a Title I school?

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

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

67.1% of students at Walnut Ridge 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
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
560
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Lawrence County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
24.6%

District

LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
1,023
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,012
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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