Buffalo Island Central Elementary School in Lake City, AR, serves 389 students from prekindergarten through 6th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 13:1, which is approximately equal to the state average.
The school's math proficiency is 60–64%, higher than the Arkansas state average of 39% and the district average of 44%, showing consistent strong performance in this area.
Reading proficiency stands at 50–54%, which is higher than the state average of 40% and slightly above the district average of 49%, reflecting steady improvement since 2014.
Science proficiency is 55–59%, significantly higher than the state average of 36% and district average of 47%, ranking the school in the top 5% statewide for this subject.
Enrollment and student demographics have remained relatively stable with 19% minority enrollment, and the percentage of students eligible for free lunch decreased slightly from 55% in 2021 to 53% in 2023.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 404 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School's student population of 404 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
404 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Succeed today. Conquer tomorrow.
School Rankings
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Buffalo Island Central Elementary School is 0.31, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#99 out of 989 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
15%
15%
Black
1%
19%
White
82%
57%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo Island Central Elementary School's ranking?
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School is ranked #99 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Buffalo Island Central Elementary School often compared to?
Buffalo Island Central Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Armorel Elementary School, Carroll Smith Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Buffalo Island Central Elementary School?
404 students attend Buffalo Island Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Buffalo Island Central Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Buffalo Island Central Elementary School?
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Buffalo Island Central Elementary School offer ?
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Buffalo Island Central Elementary School part of?
Buffalo Island Central Elementary School is part of Buffalo Island Central School District.
School Reviews
Review Buffalo Island Central Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
