J.F. Wahl Elementary School in Helena, AR

At a glance

Reported students

539

NCES CCD 2024–25

Teachers (FTE)

34.75

NCES CCD 2024–25

Student–teacher ratio

15.5:1

Calculated; not a class-size measure

Grades served

PK–06

NCES preliminary directory 2025–26

Arkansas elementary enrollment

77th percentile

Compared with 510 same-level schools reporting enrollment.

District median enrollment

489

J.F. Wahl Elementary School: 539 reported students.

State peer staffing position

43rd percentile

15.5:1 reported; state peer median 16:1. Ratio is not class size.

Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22

These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.

Students: 591
Teachers (FTE): 32
Student–teacher ratio: 18.5:1

What the reported data says about J.F. Wahl Elementary School

J.F. Wahl Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades PK–06 in Helena. It is one of 2 current school records connected to Helena West Helena School District. NCES reports 539 students for 2024–25.

Among 510 elementary schools in Arkansas with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 416 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 77th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.

The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.5:1, close to the Arkansas median of 16:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.

The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (90.9%) and White (5%). English learners represent 0.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 3%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.

The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.

Questions worth asking J.F. Wahl Elementary School

1How do the reported 15.5:1 student–teacher ratio and 34.75 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?

Bring the full school visit checklist →

Enrollment needs

English learners: 0.2%
Students with disabilities: 3%
Free/reduced-price lunch: 100%
Lunch program: Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)

Reported support staff

Counselors (FTE): 2
Nurses (FTE): 1
Psychologists (FTE): 0
Social workers (FTE): 0

CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.

Student demographics

Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment

White5%
Hispanic1.1%
Black90.9%
Asian1.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native0.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
Multiracial1.5%

Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.

Programs reported by the school

Gifted and talented

Offered

CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.

Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.

Central High School

High · Grades 07–12

439 reported students

View all 2 district schools →

Public schools near J.F. Wahl Elementary School

Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.

School	Grades	Students	Distance
Central High School High · Helena West Helena School District	07–12	439	0.8 mi
KIPP Delta Elementary Literacy Academy Elementary · Charter · KIPP Delta Public Schools	PK–06	463	1.1 mi
Kipp:delta Collegiate High School High · Charter · KIPP Delta Public Schools	07–12	181	2 mi
Barton Elementary School Elementary · Barton School District	PK–06	342	8.4 mi
Barton High School High · Barton School District	07–12	322	8.5 mi

Frequently asked questions about J.F. Wahl Elementary School

What grades does J.F. Wahl Elementary School serve?

J.F. Wahl Elementary School reports grades PK–06 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Helena West Helena School District.

How many students attend J.F. Wahl Elementary School?

J.F. Wahl Elementary School reported 539 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 77th percentile among 510 Arkansas elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 591 students.

What is the student–teacher ratio at J.F. Wahl Elementary School?

The calculated ratio is 15.5:1, based on 539 students and 34.75 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Arkansas median for the same school level is 16:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.

Is J.F. Wahl Elementary School a public, charter, or magnet school?

J.F. Wahl Elementary School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Helena West Helena School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.

What share of J.F. Wahl Elementary School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?

100% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.

Which school district is J.F. Wahl Elementary School in?

J.F. Wahl Elementary School is part of Helena West Helena School District, based in Helena, AR, which operates 2 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.

What public schools are near J.F. Wahl Elementary School?

The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Central High School (0.8 mi), KIPP Delta Elementary Literacy Academy (1.1 mi), Kipp:delta Collegiate High School (2 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.