For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 1,160 students in Polk County, AR.
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, AR are Acorn High School, Mena High School and Cossatot River High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, AR public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Arkansas public high school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public high schools.
Polk County, AR public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Arkansas average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Mena High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arkansas or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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
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 high schools in Polk County, AR?
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, AR include Acorn High School, Mena High School and Cossatot River High School.
How many public high schools are located in Polk County?
5 public high schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public high schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Polk County include: Cossatot River High School vs. Mena High School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
