For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,993 students in Desha County, AR (there are 1 private school, serving 159 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Desha County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Desha County, AR are Mcgehee Elementary School, Conner Middle School and Dumas Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Desha County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Desha County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Desha County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mcgehee Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
409 Oak Street
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5400
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5400
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
Conner Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
409 Oak Street
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Dumas Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
315 S College Street
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4476
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4476
Gr: 6-8 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #44.
Reed Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
709 Dan Gill Drive
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5365
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5365
Gr: PK-5 | 368 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #55.
Dumas High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
709 Dan Gill Drive
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4151
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4151
Gr: 9-12 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
Mcgehee High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
409 Oak Street
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5026
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5026
Gr: 9-12 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Desha County, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in Desha County, AR include Mcgehee Elementary School, Conner Middle School and Dumas Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Desha County?
7 public schools are located in Desha County.
What percentage of students in Desha County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Desha County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Desha County?
Desha County public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
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