For the 2026 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)
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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.