Serving 520 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Ward Central Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 520 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Ward Central Elementary serves the northeast area of Ward, AR, covering approximately 36.1 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the farthest edges of the attendance zone reaching up to 8.6 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ward Central Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Ward Central Elementary School's student population of 520 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
520 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ward Central 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 Ward Central Elementary School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#112 out of 989 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
8%
15%
Black
2%
19%
White
79%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.7%
22.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
18%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ward Central Elementary School's ranking?
Ward Central Elementary School is ranked #112 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Ward Central Elementary School?
520 students attend Ward Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Ward Central Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ward Central Elementary School?
Ward Central Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Ward Central Elementary School offer ?
Ward Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ward Central Elementary School part of?
Ward Central Elementary School is part of Cabot School District.
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