Many prominent Americans--including Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, decorated U.S. General Wesley Clark, and legendary country music singer Johnny Cash--were all educated within Arkansas school systems. Knowing the accomplishments of some its most notable graduates, it should be no surprise that Arkansas boasts a large number of excellent school systems.

Arkansas’ top 10 school districts are widely distributed throughout the state. In all, seven counties are represented, with Benton County, Washington County, and Saline County each having two districts place in the top 10.

The top school district in Arkansas is Bentonville School District, serving Bentonville and parts of several other surrounding communities. Bentonville School District is one of the fast growing districts in the state, and it plans to add 6 more schools to its current total of 21 within the next ten years.

Valley View School District in Jonesboro ranks second. Its junior high was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2015 and its high school’s sports programs regularly take home state championships.

Third place, Farmington School District, is another excellent school system; recognized for its academic excellence.

Completing the top five are Benton School District (#4), which is accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education, and Greenwood School District, founded all the way back in 1881.

Methodology

The following contributed to the ranking: student performance (math and reading test scores), dropout rates, school funding, and area poverty rates. Data was collected from a total of 9,577 school districts.

Did your district make the list?