For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,032 students in Polk County, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Polk County, AR are Mena Middle School, Acorn 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 42% statewide average). Middle schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Polk County, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Polk County, AR include Mena Middle School, Acorn High School and Cossatot River High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Polk County?
4 public middle schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public middle schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
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.
