For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,703 students in Van Buren, AR (there are 1 private school, serving 22 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Van Buren, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Van Buren, AR are Parkview Elementary School, Northridge Middle School and Rena Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Van Buren, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Van Buren have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Van Buren, AR (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Parkview Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
619 Parkview
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-8730
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-8730
Gr: K-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
Northridge Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
120 Northridge Drive
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3126
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3126
Gr: 6-8 | 713 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Rena Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
720 Rena Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3190
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3190
Gr: K-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Oliver Springs Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
505 Northridge Drive East
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3120
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3120
Gr: K-5 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
King Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
411 North 20th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-2661
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-2661
Gr: PK-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
Butterfield Trail Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 North 11 St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6838
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6838
Gr: 6-8 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #77.
Van Buren High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2001 Pointer Trail
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6821
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6821
Gr: 10-12 | 1,232 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #88.
Van Buren Freshman Academy
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
821 Pointer Trail East
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3160
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3160
Gr: 9 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #99.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
913 N 24 St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-7059
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-7059
Gr: K-5 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1010.
James R. Tate Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
406 Catcher Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3130
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3130
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Van Buren, Arkansas Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
913 North 24th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-7059
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-7059
Gr: 5-6 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
301 Mt Vista Ave
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6918
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6918
Gr: K-5
501 N 24th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3150
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3150
Gr: K-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Van Buren, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in Van Buren, AR include Parkview Elementary School, Northridge Middle School and Rena Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Van Buren?
11 public schools are located in Van Buren.
What percentage of students in Van Buren go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Van Buren are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Van Buren?
Van Buren public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Van Buren are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Van Buren include: James R. Tate Elementary School vs. King Elementary School, King Elementary School vs. James R. Tate Elementary School, Parkview Elementary School vs. King Elementary School
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