For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,682 students in Baxter County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Baxter County, AR are Pinkston Middle School, Mountain Home Career Academies and Cotter High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Baxter County, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 43% statewide average). Middle schools in Baxter County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Baxter County (2026)
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 South College
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1236
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1236
Gr: 6-7 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
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 | 1,523 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Cotter High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
198 Mable
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6323
Cotter, AR 72626
(870) 435-6323
Gr: 7-12 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Norfork High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
136 Mildred Simpson Drive
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-5228
Norfork, AR 72658
(870) 499-5228
Gr: 7-12 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Guy Berry College And Career Academy
Charter School
500 Bomber Blvd.
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1261
Mountain Home, AR 72653
(870) 425-1261
Gr: 6-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Baxter County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Baxter County, AR include Pinkston Middle School, Mountain Home Career Academies and Cotter High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Baxter County?
5 public middle schools are located in Baxter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Baxter County?
Baxter County public middle schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Baxter County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Baxter County include: Mountain Home Career Academies vs. Norfork High School, Norfork High School vs. Mountain Home Career Academies, Norfork High School vs. Cotter High School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.