For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 821 students in Clay County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clay County, AR are Corning Middle School, Rector High School and Piggott High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% 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 Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Corning Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
605 West Fourth
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 857-6649
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 857-6649
Gr: 5-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Rector High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
604 W 5th St
Rector, AR 72461
(870) 595-3553
Rector, AR 72461
(870) 595-3553
Gr: 7-12 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Piggott High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
533 E Main
Piggott, AR 72454
(870) 598-3815
Piggott, AR 72454
(870) 598-3815
Gr: 7-12 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P.o. Box 479
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 769-2480
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 769-2480
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
605 W Fourth St
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 857-6491
Corning, AR 72422
(870) 857-6491
Gr: 3-6 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Clay County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clay County, AR include Corning Middle School, Rector High School and Piggott High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Clay County?
3 public middle schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public middle schools minority enrollment is 5% 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 Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Clay County include: Piggott High School vs. Rector High School, Rector High School vs. Piggott High School
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate in 2026?
Are public school rankings accurate? Learn how rankings are calculated in 2026, what they miss, and how families can evaluate schools wisely.
How Are U.S. Public Schools Doing in 2026?
A 2026 update on how U.S. public schools are performing academically, financially, and socially in a post-pandemic era.
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.