For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 2,220 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Downtown are Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Elementary School and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Leadership & Language Magnet Academy. 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 20% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR (2026-27)
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 Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Gr: PK-5 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #22.
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 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #33.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Leadership & Language Magnet Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
905 M L King Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Gr: PK-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
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 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR include Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Elementary School and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Leadership & Language Magnet Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
5 public elementary 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 elementary schools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.