East End Middle School, Hensley AR

Original Research by School Decision on East End Middle School

East End Middle School serves sixth through eighth grades as part of the Sheridan School District, and its address places it in the unincorporated community of Hensley in Saline County. The community itself is very small and rural, with a car-dependent layout along a state highway and no downtown core. A slight population decline over the past two decades suggests the area is not in a rapid growth phase. The housing market is moderately priced relative to state benchmarks, and rents are low compared to incomes, making the area more affordable than many parts of the country.

The school enrolls a student body that is predominantly white, with a smaller share of Hispanic students and small numbers of Asian, Black, and multiracial students. About half of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic need among families. The school is not a charter or magnet school, and information on Title I status was not provided.

Academically, East End Middle School’s performance on the state's ATLAS assessments shows a mixed picture that improves as students progress. In reading and English language arts, the share of students scoring proficient or above rises from roughly half in sixth grade to a stronger showing in eighth grade. Math proficiency starts lower in sixth grade, around where a third of students meet the bar, and climbs in each subsequent grade. Science performance stands out: while sixth and seventh grade proficiency rates are near half, the eighth grade rate is notably stronger, with the majority of students meeting the standard. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the top quarter of districts in Saline County, a genuine strength.

No data was available on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, or course access, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those areas. Because the school only serves grades six through eight, there is no graduation rate to report, and that is typical for a middle school.

The Sheridan School District did not have any recently reported major changes such as bond issues, curriculum shifts, or capital projects that would be visible from public sources. This suggests a period of relative stability, though a parent may wish to check with the district office for any upcoming plans.

For a family considering this school, the academic picture is one of solid performance relative to nearby districts, with particular strength in eighth grade science and a general upward trend from sixth to eighth grade. The rural setting and moderate housing costs may appeal to those seeking a slower-paced environment. The school’s mix of proficiency levels means some students would benefit from extra support, especially in early middle school math, while those who are already on track may find a capable peer group. Overall, East End Middle School offers a dependable, if not flashy, academic pathway in a stable district and a quiet community.

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Academic performance

How students perform on state tests, by grade, set against the district.

Math

Grade 636%

School 36% · District 41% · ▼ 5 pts below district

▼ 1 pts below state median

Grade 741%

School 41% · District 43% · ▼ 1 pts below district

▲ 5 pts above state median

Grade 848%

School 48% · District 53% · ▼ 5 pts below district

▲ 20 pts above state median

English language arts

Grade 652%

School 52% · District 44% · ▲ 8 pts above district

▲ 19 pts above state median

Grade 741%

School 41% · District 34% · ▲ 8 pts above district

▲ 12 pts above state median

Grade 857%

School 57% · District 45% · ▲ 12 pts above district

▲ 28 pts above state median

Science

Grade 649%

School 49% · District 47% · ▲ 1 pts above district

▲ 15 pts above state median

Grade 756%

School 56% · District 46% · ▲ 10 pts above district

▲ 21 pts above state median

Grade 871%

School 71% · District 58% · ▲ 13 pts above district

▲ 37 pts above state median

This schoolSHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT, same grade

Graduation rate (ACGR) reflects the federally published Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate for the most recent year available. We refresh this data annually at the close of each academic year in June. The federal source publishes a banded rate (for example, "90-94%") instead of an exact number for cohorts small enough to risk identifying individual students. The state distribution chart, where shown, plots every school in the state with a published rate or band; schools whose rate is federally suppressed are excluded. Where the federal source publishes a band rather than an exact rate, the school is placed within its band using a stable, ID-derived offset, so its position is consistent across visits.

Proficiency by household income

English language arts

Grade 6Lower-income24%Higher-income43%19 pp gap

Grade 7Lower-income37%Higher-income54%17 pp gap

Grade 8Lower-income27%Higher-income51%24 pp gap

Mathematics

Grade 6Lower-income22%Higher-income38%16 pp gap

Grade 7Lower-income49%Higher-income57%9 pp gap

Grade 8Lower-income34%Higher-income61%27 pp gap