For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 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 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Desha County (2025-26)
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 St
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5400
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-5400
Gr: K-5 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Conner Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2009 East Ash Street
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
Dumas Middle School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
315 S College St
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4476
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4476
Gr: 6-8 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #44.
Reed Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
709 S Cherry St
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5363
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5363
Gr: 3-5 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #55.
Dumas High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
709 Dan Gill Dr
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4151
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4151
Gr: 9-12 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #66.
Mcgehee High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1902 E Ash St
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Mc Gehee, AR 71654
(870) 222-3600
Gr: 9-12 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: n/an/a
101 Court St
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4954
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-4954
Gr: PK-2 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Desha County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P.o. Box 248
Arkansas City, AR 71630
(870) 877-2455
Arkansas City, AR 71630
(870) 877-2455
Gr: PK-6 | 57 students Minority enrollment: 53%
P O Box 248
Arkansas City, AR 71630
(870) 877-2474
Arkansas City, AR 71630
(870) 877-2474
Gr: 7-12 | 45 students Minority enrollment: 69%
P O Box 41
Rohwer, AR 71666
(870) 644-3800
Rohwer, AR 71666
(870) 644-3800
Gr: PK-6 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
P.o. Box 41
Rohwer, AR 71666
(870) 644-3800
Rohwer, AR 71666
(870) 644-3800
Gr: 7-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
710 South Cherry St
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5363
Dumas, AR 71639
(870) 382-5363
Gr: 5-6 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
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 42% (majority Black).
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