Ellen Smith Elementary School in Conway, AR, serves 454 students in grades K–4 with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, which is higher than the district average ratios of 16:1 to 18:1 at comparable local elementary schools.
Math proficiency is 60–64%, significantly higher than the Arkansas state average of 39% and the Conway School District average of 47%, maintaining a position in the top 20% statewide.
Reading proficiency is 40–44%, which is approximately equal to the state average of 40% but lower than the district average of 49%, with scores showing a decline from 55–59% in 2018 to 40–44% in 2022.
Science proficiency stands at 35–39%, approximately equal to the state average of 36% but below the district average of 42%, showing improvement from 25–29% in 2021.
Enrollment declined slightly from 545 students in 2012 to 454 students currently, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased from around 18% in 2012 to over 53% in 2023, indicating a significant rise in socioeconomic need.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Kindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 454 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ellen Smith Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Ellen Smith Elementary School's student population of 454 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
454 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Ellen Smith Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ellen Smith Elementary School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#196 out of 989 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
19%
15%
Black
28%
19%
White
41%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ellen Smith Elementary School's ranking?
Ellen Smith Elementary School is ranked #196 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Ellen Smith Elementary School often compared to?
Ellen Smith Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Carolyn Lewis Elementary School, Ida Burns Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Ellen Smith Elementary School?
454 students attend Ellen Smith Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Ellen Smith Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ellen Smith Elementary School?
Ellen Smith Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ellen Smith Elementary School offer ?
Ellen Smith Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ellen Smith Elementary School part of?
Ellen Smith Elementary School is part of Conway School District.
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