The top reported proficiency rate is 82% in Math. The lowest is 67% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Willowbrook Elementary School
Willowbrook Elementary School serves kindergarten through fourth grade in Bentonville, a fast-growing city in northwest Arkansas that is home to Walmart’s world headquarters and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The school is part of the Bentonville School District.
The student body is notably diverse. Approximately half of the students are white, and a substantial share, over a third, are Asian American. Smaller populations of students who are two or more races, Hispanic, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native are also present. A very small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a marker of economic disadvantage that is well below what is typical for the state. Data on the share of students with disabilities or those still learning English was not available in the records examined, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about how it serves those populations.
On the most recent state assessments, administered through Arkansas’s ATLAS system, Willowbrook students posted results that place the school in the top quartile among elementary schools within Benton County when looking at overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades. Math proficiency was strong, with solid majorities of both third and fourth graders scoring at or above the proficient level. In English language arts, proficiency was lower, though a clear majority of students in both grades still met the bar. Science results were mixed: third graders performed well, while fourth graders saw a dip in proficiency. These results suggest a school with generally strong academic performance, particularly in math, but where literacy and science outcomes show some variation a family may want to watch.
Because Willowbrook serves only through grade four, the data does not include a graduation rate or advanced course offerings. That is a function of the grade band, not a reflection of the school itself.
The school is located in Bentonville, a city that has transformed over the past 15 to 20 years from a small county seat into a regional economic and cultural hub. The downtown area centers on a historic square with shops and restaurants, and Crystal Bridges Museum is within walking distance. The city’s trail system is extensive. Growth has been rapid. Bentonville was ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States by the Census Bureau, and the population has risen considerably since the 2020 census. Major developments include Walmart’s new corporate headquarters campus, which opened its first phase in early 2025, and a major expansion of Crystal Bridges. This growth has brought new residential and commercial construction across the city.
Housing costs in the area are elevated relative to state and national averages. The typical home value is well above what is found across Arkansas as a whole, and rents follow a similar pattern. The area’s median household income is above the national median, but the combination of high home prices and rents means affordability could be a consideration for some families.
The district briefly was not the subject of any recent referendum or new school opening that surfaced in publicly reported records. No major curriculum changes were found in news searches for the past several years. A parent looking for the district’s strategic priorities or upcoming capital plans may need to check the district’s own website for the most current information.
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