Highlighting Academic Gains: Beating the Odds in Arkansas Schools
At APSRC, we are proud to spotlight the incredible progress being made by high-poverty schools across Arkansas.
The Beating the Odds awards recognize schools where educators are making a profound impact on student learning, even in the face of financial challenges. Schools with at least 66% of their students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRL) are eligible for this prestigious recognition, which focuses on growth in both Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA).
The OEP Awards and Beating the Odds differ from other state recognitions by placing a spotlight on academic growth rather than solely on achievement levels. This is crucial for schools serving students who face higher academic risk factors, such as poverty. Unlike the Arkansas Rewards and Recognition, which combines achievement and growth for financial rewards, the OEP awards are grounded in celebrating significant improvements regardless of a school's starting point.
We celebrate schools where educators ensure that financial hardship does not define a student’s learning potential. The Beating the Odds awards honor schools that have shown remarkable improvement, with a focus on growth rather than achievement alone.
Beating the Odds: Recognizing Growth Across All School Levels
This year, several elementary, middle, and high schools were recognized for their impressive growth despite facing challenges. Here are just a few of the standout schools making a significant impact:
Elementary Level Schools Overall ATLAS Growth (Math and ELA combined):
White Co. Central Elementary, White Co. Central SD (69% FRL)
Green Forest Elementary, Green Forest SD (82% FRL)
Wakefield Elementary, Little Rock SD (98% FRL)
Decatur Northside Elementary, Decatur SD (83% FRL)
Thomas C. Brunson Elementary, Warren SD (72% FRL)
Friendship Aspire Academy, Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff SD (79% FRL)
Friendship Aspire Academy Downtown Pine Bluff, Friendship Aspire Academies Arkansas SD (80% FRL)
Gosnell Elementary, Gosnell SD (77% FRL)
McCrory Elementary, McCrory SD (73% FRL)
C.B. Partee Elementary, Brinkley SD (81% FRL)
Middle Level Schools Overall ATLAS Growth (Math and ELA combined):
eSTEM Junior High Public Charter School, eSTEM Public Charter SD (69% FRL)
Forrest City Jr. High, Forrest City SD (80% FRL)
LISA Academy Springdale, LISA Academy SD (69% FRL)
Warren Middle, Warren SD (70% FRL)
Morrilton Junior High, South Conway County SD (71% FRL)
Atkins Middle, Atkins SD (69% FRL)
Friendship Aspire Academy Little Rock Middle, Friendship Aspire Academies Arkansas SD (89% FRL)
KIPP: Delta College Prep School, KIPP Delta Public SD (92% FRL)
Berryville Middle, Berryville SD (67% FRL)
Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock, Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock SD (85% FRL)
High Schools Overall ATLAS Growth (Math and ELA combined):
Yellville-Summit High, Yellville-Summit SD (71% FRL)
Lamar High, Lamar SD (70% FRL)
Berryville High, Berryville SD (69% FRL)
Prescott High, Prescott SD (68% FRL)
LISA Academy West High, LISA Academy SD (73% FRL)
Umpire K-12 School, Cossatot River SD (77% FRL)
Booneville High, Booneville SD (67% FRL)
West Side High, West Side (Cleburne) SD (66% FRL)
Malvern High, Malvern SD (74% FRL)
Green Forest High, Green Forest SD (74% FRL)
These schools demonstrate the power of focused academic growth and are models of progress for schools across the state.
Accessing the Data
To see how all schools are performing, be sure to check out the new data visualization or download the full dataset showcasing growth across Arkansas.
These tools provide a comprehensive look at how Arkansas schools are beating the odds and making significant strides in education.
