For the 2026 school year, there are 11 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 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2026)
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 Drive
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-3400
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-3400
Gr: 3-6 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
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: 1-12 | 12 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Mena Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
700 S Morrow
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Gr: 6-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Holly Harshman Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1000 Geyer Drive
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Gr: 3-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Acorn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Gr: K-6 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Acorn High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Gr: 7-12 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Mena High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1200 Dallas Ave
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Gr: 9-12 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #88.
Cossatot River High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6330 Highway 71 S
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Gr: 7-12 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
122 E. Adair Street
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Gr: K-2 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
106 Reine Street N
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Gr: K-2 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
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
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 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Acorn Elementary School vs. Louise Durham Elementary School, Louise Durham Elementary School vs. Acorn Elementary School, Holly Harshman Elementary School vs. Acorn Elementary School
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