Education system and best schools in Arkansas: Compulsory education ages: 5-17 years old. Arkansas Department of Education oversees policies. Common Core Standards implemented in curricula. Little Rock School District - largest in state. Bentonville Schools known for academic excellence. Magnet schools available for specialized programs. Advanced Placement (AP) courses widely offered. Homeschooling regulations require annual assessment. School choice includes charter and private options. UAMS offers medical and allied health education.
Compulsory education ages: 5-17 years old.
In Arkansas, children between the ages of 5 and 17 are required to attend school, with exceptions for those who have received a high school diploma early, are enrolled in college or vocational programs at 16, or whose parents have elected to withhold them from kindergarten. Parents are held responsible for their child's school attendance, and noncompliance can result in misdemeanor charges and fines. For more detailed information on these regulations, you can refer to the Arkansas Compulsory Education Laws.
Arkansas Department of Education oversees policies.
The Arkansas Department of Education, led by Secretary and Commissioner Jacob Oliva, oversees policies and initiatives aimed at transforming education in Arkansas, including the comprehensive Arkansas Learns Act, which reforms various aspects of the education system, such as curriculum, teacher pay, and school choice, while also imposing restrictions on certain topics of instruction.
Common Core Standards implemented in curricula.
Arkansas does not implement Common Core Standards; instead, it uses the Arkansas English Language Arts Standards and other state-defined curriculum frameworks that outline specific expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.
Little Rock School District - largest in state.
The Little Rock School District, the second largest in Arkansas, operates 47 schools and serves over 24,000 students. It offers a range of educational programs, including magnet schools, Advanced Placement courses, and International Baccalaureate programs, with a focus on rigorous academic standards defined by the Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks.
Bentonville Schools known for academic excellence.
Bentonville Public Schools are renowned for their academic excellence, earning an "A+" rating and ranking as the top school district in Arkansas. The district boasts high proficiency rates in math and reading, a 93% graduation rate, and a strong student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with teachers and facilities also receiving high marks. Discover more about this outstanding educational institution by visiting their website on Niche, which provides detailed insights into what makes Bentonville Public Schools exemplary in delivering quality education.
Magnet schools available for specialized programs.
Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School in Arkansas is the state's first and only complete interdistrict magnet high school, offering specialized programs in science, fine arts, and performing arts. It provides a rigorous curriculum and has been recognized for its excellence, including being named a Magnet School of Distinction and a Blue Ribbon School.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses widely offered.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Arkansas, particularly at schools like Northside and Southside High Schools in the Fort Smith School District, provide rigorous college-level work for high school students. These courses prepare students for college, offering opportunities to earn college credit, boost GPAs with weighted credit, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For more information on these courses, visit the Fort Smith School District website to explore their comprehensive resources and academic opportunities.
Homeschooling regulations require annual assessment.
In Arkansas, homeschooling regulations provide parents with significant freedom and flexibility. Unlike some states, there are no requirements for annual assessments or evaluations, allowing parents to decide if and how they wish to administer tests and monitor their child's progress. For detailed insights into such regulations, visit Homeschooling Arkansas Laws to gather comprehensive information. This autonomy empowers families to tailor the educational experience to their children's unique needs and learning styles.
School choice includes charter and private options.
Arkansas offers various school choice options, including Charter Schools that operate with greater autonomy than traditional public schools, and private school choice programs such as vouchers and tax-credit scholarships, as well as magnet schools and homeschooling. Charter schools include open-enrollment and district conversion types, and private programs help families afford education in participating private schools. For more information on these options, visit EdChoice to explore the opportunities available for enhancing educational experiences in the state.
UAMS offers medical and allied health education.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) provides a wide range of comprehensive medical and allied health education through its diverse programs. These programs encompass the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions, alongside specialized programs such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. To learn more about their extensive offerings and commitment to healthcare education, visit the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences website.