The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in English language arts. The lowest is 34% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Preston & Florence Mattison Elem. School
Preston & Florence Mattison Elementary School serves kindergarten through fourth grade in Conway, Arkansas, as part of the Conway School District. The school sits in a residential area of a city that functions as the county seat and a regional hub for central Arkansas, known for its three colleges and universities.
State assessment data from the ATLAS exam offers a mixed picture of student performance. In math, roughly a third of students in both third and fourth grades scored at the proficient level or above. English language arts results show a more pronounced difference by grade: fourth graders performed notably stronger, with about half reaching proficiency, while third graders’ results were closer to a third. Science proficiency rates hovered around a third in each tested grade. These figures come from the most recent testing year; no multi-year trends were available to see how performance is changing.
When compared with other elementary schools across Faulkner County, Preston & Florence Mattison’s overall proficiency index sits below the middle of the pack. That places it in the lower half among county districts, though not at the bottom. The range among districts runs from a low that is somewhat lower to a high that is substantially higher, so this school falls in the middle-low territory.
The student body is economically diverse. Most students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a marker of higher need. Racially and ethnically, the largest group is white, followed by Black and Hispanic students, with a smaller share of students who identify as two or more races. Asian and Native American students each account for a very small fraction of enrollment. The records we reviewed did not include figures on special education or English learner populations, so a parent may want to ask about those supports directly.
Conway itself is a growing city whose character is shaped by the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College. These institutions contribute to a college-town atmosphere and a workforce where a significant portion of adults hold bachelor’s degrees. Major employers include the regional health system, the university itself, the school district, and technology firms such as Acxiom. The city is largely car-dependent; fixed-route public transit does not exist, though a dial-a-ride service operates. Recent industrial investment, including a new plant announced by Westrock, signals continued economic growth. Housing values and rents are moderate compared with national benchmarks, and the area has seen steady population increase.
The Conway School District operates schools across the city. We searched for recent district-level changes or initiatives that might affect Preston & Florence Mattison but found little publicly reported that would be of lasting impact to current families.
For a family evaluating this school, the academic data shows room for improvement, particularly in math and science, where proficiency rates are on the lower side. The stronger fourth-grade reading results may reflect effective instruction in that grade or cohort. The high proportion of students from low-income households means the school likely receives federal Title I funding and other supports, though we lack specifics on class sizes, staffing ratios, or intervention programs. The broader Conway setting offers a lively college town with a range of cultural events, including an annual festival and a professional Shakespeare theater, and a local economy that has been adding jobs and residents. This school fits a family looking for a neighborhood elementary with a diverse student body in a growing mid-sized city, where academic performance is an area of ongoing development rather than a standout strength.
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