For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,943 students in St. Francis County, AR (there are 2 private schools, serving 632 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in St.
Francis County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR are Palestine-wheatley Elementary School, Palestine-wheatley Senior High School and Lincoln Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
St. Francis County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in St. Francis County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in St. Francis County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palestine-wheatley Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7950 Hwy. 70 West
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2588
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2588
Gr: PK-6 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Palestine-wheatley Senior High School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7950 Hwy. 70 West
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2425
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2425
Gr: 7-12 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Academy
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1133 North Division St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 261-1810
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 261-1810
Gr: 6 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Forrest City Junior High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1133 North Division St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3230
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3230
Gr: 7-8 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Stewart Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 Dawson Rd
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3248
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3248
Gr: 3-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Forrest City High School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
467 Victoria St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1464
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1464
Gr: 9-12 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
801 Deaderick Road
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Gr: PK-2 | 713 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: n/an/a
East Arkansas Secondary Career Center
Vocational School
1700 New Castle Rd
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-4480
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-4480
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR include Palestine-wheatley Elementary School, Palestine-wheatley Senior High School and Lincoln Academy.
How many public schools are located in St. Francis County?
8 public schools are located in St. Francis County.
What percentage of students in St. Francis County go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in St. Francis County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in St. Francis County?
St. Francis County public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in St. Francis County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in St. Francis County include: East Arkansas Secondary Career Center vs. Forrest City High School, Forrest City High School vs. Palestine-wheatley Senior High School, East Arkansas Secondary Career Center vs. Palestine-wheatley Senior High School
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