For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,121 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR.
The top-ranked public schools in Downtown are Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Junior High Public Charter School and Estem High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gibbs Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1115 W 16th Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-4900
Gr: PK-5 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #22.
Estem Junior High Public Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9335
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9335
Gr: 7-8 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
Estem High School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Gr: 9-12 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #44.
Estem Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Gr: K-6 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #55.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Leadership & Language Magnet Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
905 M L King Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 447-5100
Gr: PK-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #66.
Dunbar Magnet Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1100 Wright Ave
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501) 447-2600
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501) 447-2600
Gr: 6-8 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Arkansas Consolidated High School-alexander
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1501 Woody Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 682-1144
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 682-1144
Gr: 7-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR include Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, Estem Junior High Public Charter School and Estem High School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
7 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock public schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
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.