For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 936 students in Howard County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, AR are Nashville Junior High School, Umpire K-12 School and Dierks High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nashville Junior High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1000 North Eighth St.
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 845-3418
Gr: 7-9 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #22.
Umpire K-12 School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
142 School Street
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Umpire, AR 71971
(870) 583-2141
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #33.
Dierks High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Old Hwy 70 West
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Dierks, AR 71833
(870) 286-3234
Gr: 7-12 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Mineral Springs High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
130 West Mccrary St
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
(870) 287-4747
Gr: 7-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, AR include Nashville Junior High School, Umpire K-12 School and Dierks High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Howard County?
4 public middle schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public middle schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Howard County include: Mineral Springs High School vs. Dierks High School, Dierks High School vs. Mineral Springs High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.