For the 2026 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 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2026)
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 North Eighth St.
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3510
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3510
Gr: K-3 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
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 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Nashville Junior High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1000 North Eighth St.
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Gr: 7-9 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
Joann Walters Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 Old Hwy 70 West
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-2015
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-2015
Gr: K-6 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Umpire K-12 School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
142 School Street
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #66.
Dierks High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Old Hwy 70 West
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Gr: 7-12 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 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 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #88.
Mineral Springs Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
130 West Mccrary St
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4746
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4746
Gr: K-6 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Mineral Springs High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
130 West Mccrary St
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Gr: 7-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
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 43% (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, Mineral Springs Elementary School vs. Joann Walters Elementary School, Dierks High School vs. Mineral Springs High School
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