For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,889 students in 72209, AR (there are 7 private schools, serving 967 private students). 78% of all K-12 students in 72209, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR are Wakefield Elementary School, Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock and Graduate Arkansas Charter High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72209 have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 15% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72209, AR have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72209, AR Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wakefield Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
75 Westminister
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6600
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6600
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock
Charter School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6111 W 83rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 568-3279
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 568-3279
Gr: K-8 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Graduate Arkansas Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6724 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 500-9270
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 500-9270
Gr: 9-12 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 56:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Watson Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
7000 Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6800
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6800
Gr: K-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Arkansas Military And First Responders Academy (Amfra)
Charter School
10710 I-30
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 942-6372
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 942-6372
Gr: 9-11 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
9417 Geyer Springs Road
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4300
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4300
Gr: K-8 | 1,252 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: n/an/a
The Excel Center
Charter School
7400 Scott Hamilton Dr Suite
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 372-5100
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 372-5100
Gr: 12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
5240 Mabelvale Pike
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4800
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4800
Gr: PK | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Metropolitan Career & Technical Center
Vocational School
7701 Scott Hamilton Dr
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-1200
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-1200
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR include Wakefield Elementary School, Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock and Graduate Arkansas Charter High School.
How many public schools are located in 72209?
9 public schools are located in 72209.
What percentage of students in 72209 go to public school?
78% of all K-12 students in 72209 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72209?
72209 public schools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
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