Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools (ARLCS) has received a “C” district rating under the Arkansas Department of Education’s new accountability system, which introduces a more transparent, growth-focused approach to evaluating school performance across the state.
The new DESE framework measures schools based on five key indicators that reflect both student achievement and growth:
Achievement: Are students performing at levels 3 or 4 on state assessments?
Growth of All Students: Are students meeting their individual growth targets?
Growth of the Lowest Quarter: Are the students who are farthest behind making meaningful progress?
Success Ready Graduate: Are students graduating within four years?
Postsecondary Readiness: Are students demonstrating readiness for enlistment, enrollment, or employment after high school?
These measures are designed to capture a more comprehensive picture of student learning, recognizing not just academic performance but also year-over-year growth and real-world readiness.
“We see this as an important step forward, as we navigate our way to an 'A'” said Superintendent Noel. “Our schools are anchored in growth, driven by dedicated educators, and supported by families who believe in our mission. This ‘C’ represents our commitment to continuous improvement.”
As part of this statewide effort, ADE is revamping its My School Info platform to make school performance data more family-friendly and accessible. The updated Arkansas School Report Cards will provide clear, easy-to-understand information showing how schools perform under the new accountability model.
ARLCS remains committed to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and providing a safe, supportive environment where every scholar can reach their full potential.