The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in English language arts. The lowest is 27% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Mark Twain Elem.
Mark Twain Elementary sits in southwest Springfield, a neighborhood school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Springfield R-XII district, the largest public school system in the region. The school's enrollment is small enough that most families will find a familiar, contained environment, and its grade band means the focus is squarely on the early elementary years. No graduation rate or high school outcomes apply here, and state testing results are available only for grades three through five, as the earlier grades are not tested.
On the Missouri Assessment Program, Mark Twain's proficiency rates across math, English language arts, and science fall below the midpoint among schools in Greene County. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to other schools in the county. In third-grade math roughly half of students scored at proficient or above, but that share dropped by fourth grade and fell further by fifth. In English language arts, third graders showed a similar level, but fourth-grade results were suppressed, and fifth-grade proficiency was lower. Fifth-grade science proficiency was also below most county peers. A parent exploring this school may want to ask about the trends across grade levels and what supports are available for students who are not yet at grade level.
The student body reflects a diverse mix. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, signaling a school that serves many families with lower household incomes. The racial and ethnic composition includes a majority white population, along with meaningful shares of students who are Hispanic, Black, multiracial, and Asian. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available in this profile, so a parent should check directly with the school to understand the full range of student support services.
Springfield itself is a mid-sized regional hub, home to major employers like CoxHealth, Mercy, Bass Pro Shops, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. The city saw modest population growth in recent years, and the housing market in the school's zip code reflects a typical Midwestern affordability picture. Homes are priced below the national median, and rents are moderate relative to local incomes. The area around the school is primarily residential, and the school is a short drive from the city's commercial corridors and downtown.
Within the Springfield district, voters recently approved a bond issue for facility improvements—HVAC, roofing, safety, classroom renovations—across multiple schools, including elementary buildings, without raising property taxes. That kind of capital investment can affect the day-to-day environment for students. Additionally, the district launched a middle school redesign that started in the 2023-2024 school year, but since Mark Twain serves only through fifth grade, that change does not yet directly affect this school's families. Those families will encounter the redesign once their children move to sixth grade.
Mark Twain Elementary is best suited for families looking for a neighborhood elementary school in Springfield's south side, one that reflects the economic diversity of its attendance zone. The school's academic results are on the lower end compared to county peers, which is worth investigating further, but the school serves a high-need population, and state test scores alone do not capture classroom instruction or individual student growth. A parent considering this school should visit, talk to staff about academic interventions and enrichment, and observe the school climate directly.
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