For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,111 students in 72956, AR.
The top ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools in zipcode 72956 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 39% statewide average). Elementary schools in 72956, AR have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72956, AR Public Elementary 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.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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 elementary schools in 72956, AR?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 72956, AR include Parkview Elementary School, Northridge Middle School and Rena Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 72956?
9 public elementary schools are located in 72956.
What is the racial composition of students in 72956?
72956 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.