For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 2,477 students in Independence County, AR.
The top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR are Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School and Southside Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Independence County, AR public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Arkansas public high school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Independence County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public high schools.
Independence County, AR public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Arkansas average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Southside Charter High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arkansas or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Independence County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southside Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1920 Batesville Blvd
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Gr: 10-12 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N. Hill Street
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 201-2577
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 201-2577
Gr: 6-12 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Southside Junior High School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
70 Scott Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Gr: 7-9 | 427 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Batesville High School Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Pioneer Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Gr: 9-12 | 986 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Midland High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
741 Main St
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Gr: 7-12 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
Uaccb Technical Center
Vocational School
2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR?
The top-ranked public high schools in Independence County, AR include Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School and Southside Junior High School.
How many public high schools are located in Independence County?
6 public high schools are located in Independence County.
What is the racial composition of students in Independence County?
Independence County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Independence County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Independence County include: Southside Charter High School vs. Batesville High School Charter, Batesville High School Charter vs. Southside Charter High School, Cedar Ridge High School vs. Batesville High School Charter
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.