Arkansas is the #32 largest school system in the United States, serving 490,105 students across the 1,099 public schools for the 2026-27 school year (there are 184 private schools, serving 29,934 students). 94% of all K-12 students in Arkansas attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Arkansas is 39%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 40%.
The top-ranked public schools in Arkansas are Haas Hall Bentonville, Haas Hall Academy, and Root Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 43%, with the majority being Black and the student-teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Arkansas (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Haas Hall Bentonville
Charter School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
2600 Se J Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 966-4930
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 966-4930
Rank: #22.
Haas Hall Academy
Charter School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 82% (Top 1%)
Reading: 88% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
3880 North Front Street
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 966-4930
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 966-4930
Rank: #33.
Root Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-4
1529 Mission Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 444-3075
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 444-3075
Rank: #44.
Haas Hall Academy Rogers
Charter School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
121 West Poplar Street
Rogers, AR 72758
(479) 966-4930
Rogers, AR 72758
(479) 966-4930
Rank: #55.
Baker Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
15001 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 228-3250
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 228-3250
Rank: #66.
Bright Field Middle School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 77% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-6
5101 Sw Bright Road
Bentonville, AR 72713
(479) 418-7200
Bentonville, AR 72713
(479) 418-7200
Rank: #77.
Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 78% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
9 Church Circle
Greenbrier, AR 72058
(501) 679-3334
Greenbrier, AR 72058
(501) 679-3334
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Don Roberts Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 77% (Top 1%)
Reading: 72% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
16601 La Marche Drive
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 447-8300
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 447-8300
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Founders Classical Academies Of Arkansas Bentonville
Charter School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 83% (Top 1%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-8
1302 Melissa Dr Ste 100
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 715-6676
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 715-6676
Rank: #1010.
Willowbrook Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 82% (Top 1%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
1800 Sw Gator Boulevard
Bentonville, AR 72713
(479) 418-7300
Bentonville, AR 72713
(479) 418-7300
Overview
This State (AR)
US
# Schools
1,099 Schools
100,278 Schools
# Students
490,105 Students
49,273,632 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
39,166 Teachers
3,176,851 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (AR)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
43%
Graduation Rate
89.9%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.62
0.71
# American Indian Students
2,789 Students
465,608 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
1%
# Asian Students
9,188 Students
2,805,331 Students
% Asian Students
2%
6%
# Hispanic Students
74,769 Students
14,933,167 Students
% Hispanic Students
15%
30%
# Black Students
94,165 Students
7,261,729 Students
% Black Students
19%
15%
# White Students
279,639 Students
20,989,206 Students
% White Students
57%
43%
# Hawaiian Students
5,135 Students
196,826 Students
% Hawaiian Students
1%
n/a
# Two or more races Students
24,265 Students
2,585,779 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (AR)
Statewide Total Revenue
$7,224 MM
Statewide Total Spending
$7,337 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,739
Spending / Student
$14,969
Best Arkansas Public Schools by County (2026-27)
Popular neighborhoods: Downtown (7 schools), Downtown Bentonville (5 schools), Hillcrest (4 schools), John Barrow (4 schools), Upper Baseline (4 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arkansas?
The top-ranked public schools in Arkansas include Haas Hall Bentonville, Haas Hall Academy, and Root Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Arkansas?
1,099 public schools are located in Arkansas.
What percentage of students in Arkansas go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Arkansas attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arkansas?
Minority enrollment in Arkansas is 43%, with the majority being Black.
Which public schools in Arkansas are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arkansas include: Monticello Elementary School vs. Drew Central Elementary School, England Elementary School vs. Lonoke Elementary School, Drew Central High School vs. Monticello High School
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
