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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Phillips County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,698 students in Phillips County, AR (there are 3 private schools, serving 472 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Phillips County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, AR are Barton Elementary School, Kipp Delta Elementary Literacy Academy and Kippdelta College Prep School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Phillips County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Phillips County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Phillips County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barton Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
9546 Hwy 85 South
Lexa, AR 72355
(870) 572-7294
Gr: PK-6 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Kipp Delta Elementary Literacy Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1020 Plaza St.
West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 753-9800
Gr: PK-5 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Kippdelta College Prep School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
514 Missouri St.
Helena, AR 72342
(870) 753-9444
Gr: 6-8 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Barton High School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
9546 Hwy 85 South
Lexa, AR 72355
(870) 572-6867
Gr: 7-12 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
J.f. Wahl Elementary School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
125 Hickory Hill
Helena, AR 72342
(870) 338-4404
Gr: PK-6 | 539 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #66.
Kippdelta Collegiate High School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
215 Cherry St.
Helena, AR 72342
(870) 338-8138
Gr: 9-12 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Central High School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
103 School Road
West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 572-6744
Gr: 7-12 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Marvell-elaine Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1018b Hwy 49
Marvell, AR 72366
(870) 829-1341
Gr: PK-6 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #99.
Marvell-elaine High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1018a Hwy 49
Marvell, AR 72366
(870) 829-1351
Gr: 7-12 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in Phillips County, AR include Barton Elementary School, Kipp Delta Elementary Literacy Academy and Kippdelta College Prep School.
How many public schools are located in Phillips County?
9 public schools are located in Phillips County.
What percentage of students in Phillips County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Phillips County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in Phillips County?
Phillips County public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Phillips County are often viewed compared to one another?

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