DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

As an average-sized K-5 school in MONTICELLO, Arkansas, DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL teaches 562 students from grades pre-K through 4, part of DREW CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. Compared to the state average of about 418 students per school, that is 34% larger than typical.

DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is one of 3 schools operated by DREW CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, a district that teaches 1,262 students overall.

For racial and ethnic makeup, DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL reports that White students make up the majority at 63%. Beyond that, the school records 25% Black, 6% Hispanic, 5% multiracial. Compared to Drew County overall, the school's racial mix sits in roughly the same range.

In terms of school funding signals, DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL reports 30 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 18.5:1. The state averages around 16.0:1, so this campus is higher than the state norm typical. An estimated 100% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. By comparison, Drew County runs at roughly 79%, so the school's eligibility rate is meaningfully above the surrounding baseline.

On a demographically-adjusted basis, DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 22.3% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 26.6%.

In the broader community, census data for Drew County shows median household income runs about $42,824, 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 16%. DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is one of 10 public schools in Drew County (combined enrollment of about 2,874 students).

The closest other public school is DREW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, roughly 0.1 miles away. Within five miles, there are 7 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL at 4th of 7; the average score across the group is 26.3%.

The school occupies a low-density site.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at DREW CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has edged up 17%, going from 482 students in 2018 to 562 in 2025. Class-load math has grew: from 14.9:1 in 2018 to 18.5:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around open house dates, ride-share offers, and field-trip permission slips. Contributors range from current parents to recent graduates and teachers.