2024 Best Public High Schools in Arkansas

• Hot Springs, AR•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: When I came to ASMSA, it opened up many opportunities for me and allowed me to get out of my comfort zone while still providing a support system if I needed it. I didn't realize how homesick I would get in the first month, but with the support and guidance that ASMSA provides, unlike college, I now feel confident in my ability to excel in college. It also allows you to step out of your shell with floor programs, activities, and events that create an awesome community of people!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Haas Hall Academy, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Freshman: All of the people I've met at any of the Haas campuses have been extremely kind and welcoming. This will be my second year attending Haas Hall and I'm looking forward to joining a few of the many clubs this school has to offer, which include but are not limited to Quiz Bowl, Beta Club, Film Club, Community Service Club, a bowling team, and a club created to help young writers nurture their skills and improve. We have a mental health checkup every Wednesday in which we are asked whether or not we'd wish to schedule an appointment with our guidance counselor and have a very college focused environment, where we are notified of chances for scholarships and given opportunities to earn community service hours. The only thing I would think to change about this school is the stress we are put under to do well while being taught advanced curriculum. Overall, Haas Hall Academy is a wonderful place to be and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a more academically challenging school.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Haas Hall Academy, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  198 reviews

Parent: My son’s experience as a scholar has been excellent! He enjoys the small class sizes, the teachers, the challenging course material, and the unique extracurricular and club offerings. As a parent, I appreciate the support and encouragement my son gets from his teachers and that they seem to genuinely care and invest in his success.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 439

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Haas Hall Academy, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  38 reviews

Sophomore: Haas Hall Academy Roger at the Lane combines a warm, inclusive atmosphere with academic excellence. Its friendly environment fosters lasting friendships, while a wide range of extracurricular activities enriches student life. To further enhance education, the school could introduce advanced classes like AP courses. A modest expansion of the student population, done thoughtfully, would introduce more diversity and resources while preserving the unique character. Haas Hall Academy Roger at the Lane has the potential to continue evolving and providing a richer educational experience for its students.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 235

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Rogers School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: Choosing New Tech as my high school was the best decision I've ever made as it has taught me lessons not only related to class but about life as well. Lessons that will take me farther beyond any math or English class could. New Tech taught me how to pursue life beyond high school. Not only was it highly advanced but highly abundant in the amount of opportunities given to those just attending. I've earned several certifications and attended college classes during my final highschool years at a discounted price. Nothing else I've mentioned could top the "teachers" or facilitators as we call them as we the students lead our work and are only guided by our facilitators. They make the classes what they are and it is something truly amazing. It is really mind blowing how someone could make a history class actually fun! I fully recommend New Technology Highschool for all.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bentonville Public Schools, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  152 reviews

Senior: When I started my academic career here, in 2020, it was scary at first. The newness and being straight out of quarantine made me nervous because I was worried I wasn't going to fit in my freshman year. In a hundred ways I was wrong because I think my teachers did an amazing job with the seating charts. I made plenty of new friends in different grades, and it helped my socialization skills significantly. I've always been social, but after COVID-19, I feel like everybody has become a different version of themselves. Going forward to my sophomore year, I felt good enough to participate in several different clubs. Key Club, Skills USA, etc, I was feeling so happy to be participating in my school and getting a few service hours. I decided to not continue doing clubs, but everything else academically stayed the same. The help I've received from peers and teachers have made a permanent impact on my life and I'm very lucky to have been given the opportunity to attend Bentonville West!... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,279

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Bentonville Public Schools, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  849 reviews

Senior: I definitely think that Bentonville High School is an amazing school. There are so many incredible opportunities for students, including participation in the Ignite program, Capstone Diploma program, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment with North West Arkansas Community College. My only complaint is that as a sophomore-year transfer, I was not given information on these opportunities and had no idea what they were until it was too late to participate. This is a minor setback compared to the ample opportunities I did receive. There is a class for everyone here, including agriculture classes, computer science classes, and tons of art classes. The food is amazing, with choices between nachos, sandwiches, pizza, chicken nuggets, and a grab-and-go cooler with various drinks and snacks! Did I mention there is an ice cream freezer? The teachers are amazing, supportive, and set students up for success. I feel prepared for college and I couldn't be more grateful for BHS!... Read 849 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,159

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Haas Hall Academy, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  42 reviews

Parent: HAAS Bentonville is the only school we will send our children for High School. We homeschool through 6th grade and have found that entering 7th at HAAS was seamless. What I expect to find in my own home can be found at HAAS; excellence without harshness, balance of work/life, college preparedness, feelings of belonging to community. Wonderful experience!... Read 42 reviews

• grade A

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Conway School District, AR•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  750 reviews

Senior: I have attended Conway schools my whole life. I also have three younger siblings in Conway school district. The best part about Conway school is the small town vibe. Everyone knows everyone in our town. The teachers thrive to help students because they really care about our future. The worst part about Conway school is the reading scores. My youngest sister is dyslexic and my parents had to fight to get her the help she needs. Conway needs more reading interventionist in our district especially in the elementary schools. My plan is to become a special education teacher so I can make a difference in the school I love!... Read 750 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,133

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fort Smith School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  564 reviews

Senior: Personally, I enjoy my time at the school when I was in STAR Academy and whenever I was involved with volunteering. STAR Academy is a self paced learning option that students can have a chance to accelerate in a core class. In my opinion, the academy gave me an advantage into which I was able to work at my own pace and have a lot more freedom than a regular class setting. Another reason why I enjoy my time at the school was that I would always try to find volunteering opportunities in National Honors Society, classes, and clubs. When I volunteer, I always find it fun to be surrounded by my peers and know that I am contributing to the community. Now, the worst part of my experience is that when I was still in STAR Academy, I had the worst procrastination problem. For example, I managed to fall behind in PreAP Chemistry by two months. It took a while for me to be caught up and some much stress piled up on my shoulders to the point that I became behind in my other classes too!... Read 564 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,794

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Fayetteville School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  440 reviews

Senior: Overall I really enjoyed school. It had some great classes, clubs, and teachers. However the school had problems with enforcing attendance on students and stopping fights. Also some of the teachers just didn't seem to care that much and barely put in any effort. Mainly those teachers that were coaches. However there were also really great teachers who cared about their subject and helped me learn a lot. My biggest problem was just how much our schedule changed. It changed start times, number of class periods, and class lengths on year to year bases and that was pretty annoying. However, overall I loved the environment, my classes and my experience.... Read 440 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,538

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Little Rock School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  808 reviews

Senior: I would say the best thing about Central has to be the diversity in the student population at school. Everyone is accepting and willing to learn/support all of their peers because we’ve grown up around them and shared our experiences. The teachers also prioritize our education and will go out of their way to give us many opportunities and resources to learn outside of class. Our art department is incredibly advanced, with teachers who create their own art and really care and cater to their students. The math and science department is also incredibly advanced, with some teachers having PhDs in the subjects. Our school is currently renovating to include an entirely separate science building in order to create a space for STEM students to flourish. The only downsides to the school however would be the behavior of some students and fighting. The staff handles the situations the best they can but they take unnecessary measures to prevent fighting/skipping by locking restrooms.... Read 808 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,506

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Greenwood School District, AR•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  331 reviews

Alum: I loved my high school experience at Greenwood. The atmosphere of pep rallies and games was something I could never forget. I joined almost every club and cheered throughout my four years there. Being involved is what made me who I am. It brought out a whole other version of myself that I and everyone around me grew to love. I became more outgoing, gained leadership, and started to be more open. The only thing I would change about Greenwood, is the way our teachers wouldn’t allow some things to happen. We would do the smallest things that aren’t even worth getting in trouble for, yet we did. Other than that everything was fun and free. Most of the time I got out of classes because the teachers needed something or because I was done with my work. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my high school experience and hope to one day send my kids to school there too!... Read 331 reviews

• grade A

• Students 874

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Founders Classical Academies of Arkansas, AR•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: My experience at Founders Classical Academy is excellent! This is a classical, charter school. This school provides a safe learning space. The school gives a small community to be able to gain close relationships with surroundings. They focus not only on teaching basic knowledge, but also instill virtues in the students which isn't provided by regular public schools. They teach students how to live a prosperous, knowledgable life with honor, respect, perseverance, service, and excellence. The mission is to provide students with rigorous classical education in liberal arts and sciences that cultivates intellectual excellence, wisdom, virtue.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 744

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Benton School District, AR•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  282 reviews

Junior: I have been with Benton High School since the fifth grade. The teachers deeply care about the students, and want the best for our future. The administration is very strict and does not like to accommodate to certain children’s needs even with parent involvement. I would like to see a change in the transportation, as it is difficult for certain children to get to and from school. As well as the dress code as they are limiting children’s individuality. Other than that, the school does their very best to give us the best education possible.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,244

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Lakeside School District (Hot Springs), AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  185 reviews

Senior: Lakeside has a very good educational environment and a large choice of rigorous courses to prepare you for high school. It also however had problems with inclusivity that sometimes make it a toxic environment. Overall though it is a wonderful place to spend your high school experience. I definitely recommend it to any and all students who want to enjoy a good education and sports while also getting the fun and exciting high school experience. And although things could always be better, at the end of the day it will be one one your favorite places to go to feel safe and at home.... Read 185 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,054

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• LISA Academy Public Charter School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I am a senior in high school who has been going to Lisa Academy since I was in elementary school. I've seen this school change in so many ways, mostly for the better! There isn't much extracurricular wise, if that bothers you then you probably wouldn't like it here. However, the college prep is insane. I feel much more prepared than my non-Lisa peers. If you're looking for a school that is hyperfocused on the future of its students, then this school is the perfect fit for you. If you're looking for a school that is spirit-based and highly values sports/extracurriculars- keep looking.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 282

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Springdale School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  481 reviews

Junior: What most significantly distinguishes Har-Ber High School from other establishments is the sheer beauty of the facility. I am in awe to have the privilege to be receiving an education in such an environment; the towering pillars adorning the front entrance, the light pouring in from all directions into the central rotunda, and the extensive shelves of literary works offered in the library contribute to an atmosphere of illustriousness on campus. While it is true that funding for some extracurriculars is tight, and the quality of instruction for specific subjects could be improved upon, the array of opportunities for students with a variety of interests is indisputable; students are able to choose courses from aviation to ceramics. The vast majority of the teachers at Har-Ber are pursuing their students' best interests alongside them, willingly assisting and uplifting pupils in any way possible. Overall, it is a highly exceptional school that anyone enrolled is fortunate to attend.... Read 481 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,280

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Emerson-Taylor School District, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: What I like and still like about my school in Taylor, is that most of the individuals you meet their are insanely smart and just fun to be around. This goes to show how much I love Taylor. The sport facilities are great. Baseball is the most loved there, to where we go to State Championships almost each year. That was fun for the most part. The education there is out of this world. Those teachers teach you mostly anything you need to know, from Mathematics to English and Science. I've realized over the years that we are a much better school system than most and it has sure helped me out a lot. They have prepared me for college and I can't wait!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 211

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Benton County School of Arts, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: Arkansas Arts Academy offers a vast array of arts classes including theater, 2 and 3D art, dance, piano, choir, guitar and audio production. It is the only high school in Arkansas to offer culinary. The recording studio is state of the art. With approximately 500 students, teachers really get to know their students. The teachers genuinely care about students. AAA is a very diverse school where students can openly be their true selves. AAA has a great academic program too. Although the school is an arts school,emphasis is placed on academics preparing students for college. I attended AAA starting in the 6th grade and graduated in 2019. My sister is currently a student there. I would not trade my time at AAA for any other school. In fact I am considering returning as a teacher.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 618

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Online School•

• Fayetteville School District, AR•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Junior: I have attended Fayetteville Virtual Academy for 2 years and it has been a very good choice for me! Online learning has proved to be more efficient and less stressful than traditional school. I have had more time to do personal activities, work a part time job, and be with friends and family. The teachers are helpful and friendly, and I have really enjoyed learning through their curriculum. This style of schooling has allowed me to be more independent and responsible in my work and has prepped me for college life!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Cabot School District, AR•

• 9-10

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Freshman: Being a student here at Cabot Freshman Academy is the best thing you could be. You can have so much fun with the teacher's lessons and the fun events at this school such as the dance or even the incentive days when you have amazing grades! How cool is that?! There's a place here for everyone like Agriculture, Choir, Sports, Construction, and even ROTC which looks great on transcripts. The school library is also an amazing place for you to study, check out books, or even play the VR. At this school, there is amazing food in the cafeteria from our amazing cafeteria staff, with chicken and even a ramen noodle bar. The school is split into many facilities where the subjects are not hard to find. There are even clubs too like FFA (you have to be in the Agriculture class to join), Chess, Key Club, E3 club, and even Spanish Club. When you join a club your like part of the family. This school is amazing! I hope you enjoy it too!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 856

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Emerson-Taylor School District, AR•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  46 reviews

Junior: This school feels like a family. Everyone knows everyone. The teachers are very personable and tend to help out the students whenever it's needed. Sometimes they can be too strict about the weirdest things, but they are still good. Some facilities aren't maintained as well as they need to be, such as the baseball/softball complex and bathrooms, but the classrooms are still good. The lockers are still outdated.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 137

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Russellville School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  210 reviews

Senior: I love the band program; many people in the department truly want to see you succeed. There are many amazing teachers, especially in the Science department, who are immaculate teachers and deserve to be paid way more than they already are. I have had some incompetent teachers in the past, mostly because a lot of staff had quit for better-paying jobs at other schools, and most of those teachers that I did not feel very connected to happened to be fairly new to the district. The food is a step up from my old school, but it is school food. Russellville truly cares about its students, especially Seniors. My overall experience has been pretty good with some hijinks, and I'm excited for my senior year!... Read 210 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,168

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rogers School District, AR•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  360 reviews

Senior: It’s pretty good. Some teachers are bad but most love what they do and love their students. The sport games, such as football, are always fun. I feel like they prep you pretty well for college; however, students that get accepted into RHA (Rogers Honors Academy) tend to get a little more help than others. As for safety at the school, sometimes I feel safe but sometimes I don’t. The school added gates in front of the building to stop people from coming in but that hasn’t stopped people. There’s a gate that’s broken and it’s open 24/7, people reach their arms through the holes to open the gates, and students on the inside open the gates for people on the outside. This includes the various doors inside. They’re of course other factors to safety besides this one, but this is the most important. Also, the drug/vaping problem is out of control. They’re many positive and negative things I could say about RHS, but I,ll leave it at this. Out of the 3 Rogers high schools, I’m glad I’m at RHS.... Read 360 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,157

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1