Watson Chapel High School is a comprehensive public high school in the Watson Chapel School District in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, that serves grades 10 through 12. It is one of two public high schools in Pine Bluff and the only high school managed by the Watson Chapel School District.
Serving 593 students in grades 9-12, Watson Chapel High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 593 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Watson Chapel High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Watson Chapel High School's student population of 593 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has grown by 69% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
593 students
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Watson Chapel High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watson Chapel High School is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#973 out of 989 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
3%
15%
Black
89%
19%
White
6%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watson Chapel High School's ranking?
Watson Chapel High School is ranked #973 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Watson Chapel High School often compared to?
Watson Chapel High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like White Hall High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watson Chapel High School?
The graduation rate of Watson Chapel High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 88%.
How many students attend Watson Chapel High School?
593 students attend Watson Chapel High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Watson Chapel High School students are Black, 6% of students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watson Chapel High School?
Watson Chapel High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Watson Chapel High School offer ?
Watson Chapel High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watson Chapel High School part of?
Watson Chapel High School is part of Watson Chapel School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Watson Chapel is I really good school . The school just needs more classes / teachers that give everybody a chance to figure out what they want out of life . I'm a senior class of 14 and I wish my school had more events so I can enjoy my last year .
Review Watson Chapel High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
