Memphis and Arkansas Bridge · Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]) · CC BY 3.0West Memphis’s public schools score below 77% of Arkansas districts on tests and graduation
In West Memphis, 20% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Arkansas average (38%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving West Memphis, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Arkansas, not nationally.
From Arkansas state tests taken in spring 2022, when 99% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
West Memphis’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 22% of tested students were proficient in reading and 20% in math, against 40% and 38% statewide; 99% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
88% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Arkansas. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
West Memphis spends $14,559 per student and Marion $13,229, against $13,585 across Arkansas (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
The Academies of West Memphis Charter School, West Memphis Christian School (private) and St. Michael School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind West Memphis’s grade
C−: better than 23% of Arkansas school districts, #111 of 123 Arkansas towns. Both inputs trail the Arkansas average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve West Memphis, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in West Memphis · depends on your address
Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School
Grades PK–6 · 762 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Jackson Wonder Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 554 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Faulk Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 523 students · 17:1 students per teacher
7th grade in West Memphis · depends on your address
Wonder Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 511 students · 11:1 students per teacher
West Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 461 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in West Memphis · depends on your address
Wonder Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 511 students · 11:1 students per teacher
West Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 461 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in West Memphis · depends on your address
Wonder Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 511 students · 11:1 students per teacher
West Junior High School
Grades 7–9 · 461 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in West Memphis
Marion High School
Grades 10–12 · 927 students · 10:1 students per teacher · in Marion
11th grade in West Memphis
Marion High School
Grades 10–12 · 927 students · 10:1 students per teacher · in Marion
12th grade in West Memphis
Marion High School
Grades 10–12 · 927 students · 10:1 students per teacher · in Marion
West Memphis runs its own schools through grade 12 (West Memphis School District). From grade PK, students attend the Marion School District, shared with Clarkedale, Crawfordsville, Gilmore, Jericho, Marion, Sunset and Turrell. Its high school is in Marion. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve West Memphis
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
West Memphis vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Arkansas towns that share West Memphis’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| West Memphis | C− | West Memphis PK–12 · Marion PK–12 |
| Marion | C+ | Marion |
Memphis, TN borders West Memphis but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in West Memphis
13 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Arkansas’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Arkansas State University?midsouth Technical Center).
Questions about West Memphis’s schools
Are West Memphis’s schools good?
On Arkansas’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools West Memphis children attend score below 77% of Arkansas’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #111 of 123 Arkansas towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 20%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is West Memphis in?
Two districts: West Memphis School District runs grades PK–12, and Marion School District runs grades PK–12, shared with Clarkedale, Crawfordsville, Gilmore, Jericho, Marion, Sunset and Turrell.
Where do West Memphis kids go to high school?
Marion High School in Marion, with 927 students; its own test results earn a D.
What is West Memphis’s graduation rate?
88% of the class of 2023 in West Memphis School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Arkansas.
How much does West Memphis spend per student?
$14,559 in West Memphis School District and $13,229 in Marion School District (FY2024), against $13,585 across Arkansas. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in West Memphis?
Yes: West Memphis Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 247 students) and St. Michael School (Catholic, grades PK–2, 35 students). West Memphis also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What West Memphis families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near West Memphis → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Arkansas. Stars are from neighbors.