Hampton Schools Sees a C After a Decade of D's

Dear Bulldog Nation,

I want to take this opportunity to highlight the incredible academic growth taking place across our school district. When Arkansas first issued school letter grades in the 2013-2014 school year, Hampton High School received a “C” in the first 2 years. Unfortunately, the letter grade fell to a “D” in the 3rd year and has remained that until this year. Hampton Elementary had maintained a “D” grade. When the state began grading districts as a whole in the 2025-2026 school year, Hampton School District also received a “D”.

I am thrilled to share a historic milestone. Hampton High School, Hampton Elementary School, and the Hampton School District as a whole have improved their letter grades to a “C”. This marks the very first time in district history that every entity has achieved this level. While it may seem odd to some that we would celebrate a “C” letter grade, I assure you that what we are truly celebrating is the achievement of measurable growth. While we are not satisfied with a “C”, we are thrilled with the advancements made by our students, staff, and community.

Our academic breakthrough is proven through the state’s ATLAS exam, which measures students in grades 3-10 in English Language Proficiency, Math, and Science. The Bulldogs gained nearly 100 points over their previous point total, with some of our historically lowest-performing students achieving proficiency across multiple parts of the ATLAS exam. The state awards points for students who score at levels 3 and 4, but also awards points for academic growth of all students. Our rate of growth and improvement tells an exciting story for our Bulldogs. Our students grew at or near the 50th percentile across all three subject areas, matching or exceeding statewide growth levels in several areas. We firmly believe this momentum will lead to higher levels of achievement.

While the ATLAS exam focus excludes Juniors and Seniors from these specific subject scores, it does measure their level of completion. Our High School boasts a phenomenal 95% on-time graduation rate over the last four years which is five percent higher than the state average. Furthermore, Hampton High School graduated students with Merit and Distinction at a 22% higher rate than the state average. We also saw a record-breaking number of students pass their Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

Our K-2 Bulldog scholars are not factored into the state letter grades, but their ATLAS interim readiness assessments showed an increase in progress, with gains of nearly 60% in Language Arts and 50% in Math.

Now, the question becomes: What more can we do for our Hampton Scholars? To maintain this trajectory, we are launching several new initiatives. First, we are adding High Impact Tutoring. Students in grades 3-8 will receive targeted tutoring during the school day which is a method proven to yield fantastic results. Second, we are adding expanded academics. We are adding more Advanced Placement courses for students looking to accelerate their learning. And third, we are working on more industry partnerships. We are actively strengthening relationships with area industries to build greater opportunities for our graduates.

While the dedication of our community, parents, teachers, and building administrators is evident and outstanding, it is the effort of our students that we find most inspiring. Last school year, we awarded more than $3,500 in cash incentives and rewards for achievement on the State Testing through our donor-funded “ACE the Test” initiative. This program was a true game-changer for the district. We are eager to keep this momentum going and invite anyone wishing to donate to this initiative to contact the Hampton School District Central Office. Community drives our success, and every donation directly fuels student achievement.

To say we are proud of the growth and achievement of our students over the past year is an understatement. The Bulldogs are on the path to greatness, and we are excited to share the journey with you.

Go Bulldogs!

Matt Scarbrough. Superintendent Hampton School District