For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,241 students in Polk County, AR.
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, AR are Cossatot River Elementary School, Polk County Virtual Academy and Mena Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cossatot River Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
130 School Dr
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2346
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2346
Gr: 3-6 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Polk County Virtual Academy
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1100 E Boundary Ave
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1710
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1710
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Mena Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
320r Mena St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Gr: 6-8 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Holly Harshman Elem. School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1000 Geyer Dr
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Gr: 3-5 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Acorn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Gr: PK-6 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Acorn High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Gr: 7-12 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
Mena High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 S Morrow St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Gr: 9-12 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #88.
Cossatot River High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6330 Hwy 71 S
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Gr: 7-12 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #99.
Van Cove Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
122 E Adair St
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-2744
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-2744
Gr: K-6 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
122 E Adair St
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Gr: PK-2 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
106 N Reine St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Gr: K-2 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
Ua Rich Mountain Technical Center
Vocational School
1100 College Drive
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-7622
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-7622
Gr: 9-12
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
125 South Third
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Gr: K-5 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Pobox 130
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Gr: 7-12 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
1000 Geyer Dr
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Gr: 6 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
110 South 5th St
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
130 School Dr
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Gr: 7-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
130 School Dr.
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Gr: 5-8 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, AR include Cossatot River Elementary School, Polk County Virtual Academy and Mena Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
12 public schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Holly Harshman Elem. School vs. Acorn Elementary School, Acorn Elementary School vs. Louise Durham Elem. School, Louise Durham Elem. School vs. Acorn Elementary School
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.
