For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,970 students in Baxter County, AR (there are 3 private schools, serving 146 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Baxter County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in Baxter County, AR are Pinkston Middle School, Hackler Intermediate School and Amanda Gist Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Baxter County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Baxter County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Baxter County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pinkston Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1301 S College St
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1236
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1236
Gr: 6-7 | 564 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Hackler Intermediate School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
965 West Rd
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1288
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1288
Gr: 3-5 | 869 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Amanda Gist Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
152 Lucille St
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6655
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6655
Gr: K-6 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Norfork Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
161 Mildred Simpson Dr
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-7192
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-7192
Gr: K-6 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
Mountain Home Career Academies
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 Bomber Blvd
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1215
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1215
Gr: 8-12 | 1,517 student Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Cotter High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
198 Melba Ave
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6171
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6171
Gr: 7-12 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
Norfork High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
136 Mildred Simpson Dr
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-7191
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-7191
Gr: 7-12 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Arkansas State University-mountain Home Career Center
Vocational School
1600 South College St
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 508-6100
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Guy Berry College And Career Academy
Charter School
1001 South Main Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1261
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1261
Gr: 6-12 | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
1310 Post Oak Rd
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1256
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1256
Gr: K | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
618 N College St
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1251
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1251
Gr: 1-2 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Baxter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2301 Rodeo Dr
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1231
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1231
Gr: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Baxter County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in Baxter County, AR include Pinkston Middle School, Hackler Intermediate School and Amanda Gist Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Baxter County?
11 public schools are located in Baxter County.
What percentage of students in Baxter County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Baxter County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Baxter County?
Baxter County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Baxter County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Baxter County include: Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary School vs. Amanda Gist Elementary School, Mountain Home Career Academies vs. Norfork High School, Norfork High School vs. Mountain Home Career Academies
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