For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,876 students in Howard County, AR (there are 2 private schools, serving 30 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Howard County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, AR are Nashville Primary School, Nashville Elementary School and Nashville Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nashville Primary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1201 N Eighth St
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3510
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3510
Gr: K-3 | 577 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #22.
Nashville Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 Immanuel St
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3262
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3262
Gr: 4-6 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
Nashville Junior High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1000 N Eighth St
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Gr: 7-9 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
Joann Walters Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 Old Hwy 70 W
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-2015
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-2015
Gr: K-6 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Umpire K-12 School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
142 School St
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Gr: K-12 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #66.
Dierks High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Old Hwy 70 W
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Gr: 7-12 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #77.
Nashville High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1301 Mt Pleasant Dr
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3261
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3261
Gr: 10-12 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #88.
Mineral Springs Elem. School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
130 West Mccrary Street
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4746
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4746
Gr: K-6 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #99.
Mineral Springs High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
130 West Mccrary Street
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Gr: 7-12 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Po Box 90
Saratoga, AR 71859
(870) 388-9262
Saratoga, AR 71859
(870) 388-9262
Gr: PK-6 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
2031 Main St
Saratoga, AR 71859
(870) 388-9262
Saratoga, AR 71859
(870) 388-9262
Gr: 7-12 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
142 School Dr
Umpire, AR 71771
(870) 583-2141
Umpire, AR 71771
(870) 583-2141
Gr: K-6 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
142 School Dr
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Gr: 7-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Howard County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, AR include Nashville Primary School, Nashville Elementary School and Nashville Junior High School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
9 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Howard County include: Mineral Springs High School vs. Dierks High School, Dierks High School vs. Mineral Springs High School, Nashville High School vs. Dierks High School
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