For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 5,809 students in 72956, AR (there are 1 private school, serving 22 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in 72956, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in 72956, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 72956 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 72956, AR have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best 72956, AR Public Schools (2025)
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
605 Parkview St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-8730
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-8730
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Northridge Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
120 Northridge Dr
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3126
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3126
Gr: 6-8 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Rena Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
720 Rena Rd
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3190
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3190
Gr: K-5 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 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 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
King Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
400 N 19th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-2661
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-2661
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #66.
Butterfield Trail Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 N 11th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6838
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-6838
Gr: 6-8 | 558 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
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 | 1,228 student Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #88.
Van Buren Freshman Academy
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
821 Pointer Trail
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3160
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3160
Gr: 9 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #99.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
501 N 24th St
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-3150
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 474-3150
Gr: K-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1010.
James R. Tate Elem. School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
406 Catcher Rd
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3130
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3130
Gr: PK-5 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1111.
River Valley Virtual Academy
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
60 Northridge Drive
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3165
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479) 471-3165
Gr: K-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
72956, 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 72956, AR?
The top ranked public schools in 72956, AR include Parkview Elementary School, Northridge Middle School and Rena Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 72956?
11 public schools are located in 72956.
What percentage of students in 72956 go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in 72956 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72956?
72956 public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

What Are Public Schools Doing to Fight Obesity and Is It Working?
Childhood obesity rates continue to climb. While many public schools have implemented policies and programs to combat the problem, there is always more to be done. Keep reading to learn what schools are doing to prevent obesity and how you can help.

Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools Offer Free Lunches
Kids in Boston Public Schools will enjoy free lunches this year, thanks to participation in a federal program that cuts out paperwork required to prove eligibility for the free lunch program.

Michigan Schools: Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.