Melbourne Elementary School has earned an A rating under the Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) new accountability system — the only elementary school in Izard County and within the Northcentral Education Service Cooperative to achieve this distinction.
The 2024–2025 school letter grades mark the first full release under Arkansas’ updated accountability formula, part of the LEARNS Act initiative. This new system uses the Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) to evaluate schools on student achievement, and year-to-year growth.
A Bright Spot in the Region
Across the seven-county North Central Arkansas Cooperative—which includes 16 school districts and 47 schools in Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Sharp, and Stone counties—only two schools earned an A grade this year. Melbourne Elementary stands out as the only elementary school in that group.
This year’s grades are the first based on a curved grading system approved by the Arkansas Legislature in 2023 and the first since 2022, as no official grades were released last year.
What the Grades Measure
Under the new system, K–12 schools are assessed on:
The percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency on ATLAS exams in English, math, and science;
The percentage showing individual growth in those subjects;
Statewide Performance
Out of Arkansas’ 1,032 public schools:
122 schools (11.82%)
received an A grade.
Melbourne Elementary Leads the Way
Melbourne Elementary’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of the entire school community.
“Earning an A is not just about test scores—it’s about creating an environment where every student can succeed,” said superintendent Massey. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the determination of our students, and the incredible support of our families.”
As the state shifts to a more comprehensive and transparent model for school accountability, Melbourne Elementary is proving what’s possible—and setting the bar for excellence in the region.