The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in Math. The lowest is 53% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Westside Elementary School
Westside Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through third grade in Searcy, Arkansas, as part of the Searcy School District. It is a neighborhood school in a city that combines a college-town atmosphere with a strong healthcare and manufacturing base.
State testing data is available for third grade only, since that is the only tested grade in the building. Across the three subjects assessed, a solid majority of third graders met the state's proficiency benchmark. Performance was strongest in mathematics, where a clear majority scored at the proficient level or above. In reading and science, a smaller but still sizable majority reached proficiency. Compared with other schools across White County, Westside's overall proficiency results placed it in the top quartile, a notably strong showing. The school does not serve grades that produce graduation rate data, and chronic absenteeism figures were not available for this school, so those measures are not applicable here.
The school enrolls a predominantly white student population, with a moderate share of Hispanic students and smaller representations of students who identify as two or more races and Black students. About two in five students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic diversity. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available, a gap a parent may want to clarify with the school.
Westside is located in Searcy, the seat of White County. The city is home to Harding University, a private university that brings a significant student and faculty population, and Unity Health, a major regional healthcare employer. Manufacturing and distribution also anchor the local economy, with Walmart distribution centers and a Bryce Corporation packaging plant. The population has grown steadily in recent years. Downtown Searcy has seen revitalization, with the Rialto Theater, art galleries, and dining drawing residents. The housing market in the zip code that includes the school is roughly at the state median, with home values that have risen but remain below the national median. Rents are moderate, and the area is more affordable than many parts of the country. The school district did not have any major publicly reported changes in curriculum, boundaries, or funding in the recent period reviewed.
Westside Elementary offers a solid early elementary foundation in a community with a stable economy and a range of civic amenities. The academic profile is above the local average, particularly in math, which may appeal to families who prioritize early proficiency. The student body is not highly diverse, and the share of students from lower-income households is moderate. For families moving to Searcy, the combination of a university presence, healthcare employment, and a revitalized downtown provides a distinct sense of place. The lack of data on special education and English learner services means families with children who may need those supports should reach out directly to the school. Overall, this is a school that performs well relative to its county peers in the early grades, set in a mid-sized Arkansas city with clear economic anchors and ongoing development.
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