For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 2,477 students in Independence County, AR.
The top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR are Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School and Southside Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Independence County, AR public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Arkansas public high school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Independence County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public high schools.
Independence County, AR public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Arkansas average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Southside Charter High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arkansas or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Independence County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southside Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1920 Batesville Blvd
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Gr: 10-12 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N. Hill Street
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 201-2577
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 201-2577
Gr: 6-12 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Southside Junior High School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
70 Scott Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Gr: 7-9 | 427 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Batesville High School Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Pioneer Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Gr: 9-12 | 986 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Midland High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
741 Main St
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Gr: 7-12 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
Uaccb Technical Center
Vocational School
2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Gr: 9-12
Independence County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
955 Water Street
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2316
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2316
Gr: 6 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Central Magnet Math & Science (Closed 2023)
Magnet School
650 Vine St
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7498
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7498
Gr: K-6 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
225 School Rd
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Gr: 1-5 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
225 School Road
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Gr: K-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
45 Park Street
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Gr: K-6 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
45 Park Street
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Gr: 7-12 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
1900 Lyon Street
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2821
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2821
Gr: PK-K | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
P.o. Box 177
Oil Trough, AR 72564
(870) 264-3752
Oil Trough, AR 72564
(870) 264-3752
Gr: K-6 | 53 students
P.o. Box 98
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-8088
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-8088
Gr: 7-12 | 152 students Minority enrollment: 1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR?
The top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR include Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School and Southside Junior High School.
How many public high schools are located in Independence County?
6 public high schools are located in Independence County.
What is the racial composition of students in Independence County?
Independence County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Independence County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Independence County include: Southside Charter High School vs. Batesville High School Charter, Batesville High School Charter vs. Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School vs. Batesville High School Charter
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.