For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,744 students in 72204, AR (there are 3 private schools, serving 214 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 72204, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR are Estem High School, Parkview Magnet High School and Western Hills Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72204 have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72204, AR have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72204, AR Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Estem High School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Gr: 9-12 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #22.
Parkview Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2501 John Barrow Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-2300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-2300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,072 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #33.
Western Hills Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4901 Western Hills Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6900
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6900
Gr: K-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
Stephens Elementary School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3700 W 18th Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6400
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6400
Gr: PK-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #55.
Bale Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6501 W 32nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3600
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3600
Gr: K-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Academies Of Math And Science School
Charter School
6423 Stagecoach Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 295-3424
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 295-3424
Gr: K-8 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: n/an/a
Friendship Academy Little Rock Elementary School
Charter School
Little Rock Ar 72204
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 500-0558
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 500-0558
Gr: K-5 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: n/an/a
Friendship Aspire Academy Little Rock Middle School
Charter School
Little Rock Ar 72204
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 621-1500
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 621-1500
Gr: 6-8 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
3400 Romine Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Gr: PK | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
72204, Arkansas Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Alternative Agencies (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
800 Apperson St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Gr: 3-12
6423 Stagecoach Rd
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-4300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-4300
Gr: PK-5 | 234 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
1701 S Harrison St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-4600
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-4600
Gr: K-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
3400 Romine Rd
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
3401 S. Bryant St.
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Gr: 6-8 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
W.d. Hamilton Learning Academy (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
3401 S Bryant St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3400
Gr: 6-12 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
4015 Stannus Rd
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-7200
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-7200
Gr: K-5 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR include Estem High School, Parkview Magnet High School and Western Hills Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 72204?
9 public schools are located in 72204.
What percentage of students in 72204 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 72204 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72204?
72204 public schools minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.