For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,194 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR.
The top-ranked public schools in Downtown are Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Junior High Public Charter School and Estem High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gibbs Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1115 W 16th St
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Gr: PK-5 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Estem Junior High Public Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Gr: 7-9 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #33.
Estem High School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W Third St 3rd Flr
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 374-7836
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 374-7836
Gr: 10-12 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Estem Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Gr: K-6 | 839 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
M.l. King Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
907 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Gr: PK-5 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Dunbar Magnet Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1100 Wright Ave
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501) 447-2600
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501) 447-2600
Gr: 6-8 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #77.
Arkansas Consolidated High School-alexander
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
700 S Main St
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 682-1711
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 682-1711
Gr: 6-12 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR include Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Junior High Public Charter School and Estem High School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
7 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock public schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.