For the 2025 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 6,784 students in Independence County, AR (there are 2 private schools, serving 70 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Independence County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in Independence County, AR are Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School, Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School and Southside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Independence County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Independence County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Independence County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
480 N Main
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-3149
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-3149
Grades: PK-5
| 266 students
Rank: #22.
Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 Eagle Mountain Blvd
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 698-9141
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 698-9141
Grades: PK-5
| 911 students
Rank: #33.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2460 Batesville Blvd
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2661
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2661
Grades: PK-3
| 860 students
Rank: #44.
Midland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3900 Floral Rd
Floral, AR 72534
(501) 345-2413
Floral, AR 72534
(501) 345-2413
Grades: K-6
| 215 students
Rank: #55.
Southside Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
70 Scott Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Grades: 10-12
| 444 students
Rank: #66.
Cedar Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3549 Cord Rd
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 799-8691
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 799-8691
Grades: K-5
| 279 students
Rank: #77.
Southside Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
70 Scott Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2332
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2332
Grades: 4-6
| 463 students
Rank: #88.
Batesville Junior High School Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
#2 Pioneer Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7533
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7533
Grades: 6-8
| 742 students
Rank: #99.
Cedar Ridge High School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1500 N Hill St
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 799-8691
Newark, AR 72562
(870) 799-8691
Grades: 6-12
| 359 students
Rank: #1010.
Southside Junior High School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
70 Scott Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-4003
Grades: 7-9
| 437 students
Rank: #1111.
Batesville High School Charter
Charter School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Pioneer Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-6846
Grades: 9-12
| 997 students
Rank: #1212.
West Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
850 Hill St
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9878
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9878
Grades: K-5
| 571 students
Rank: #1313.
Midland High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
741 Main St
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Pleasant Plains, AR 72568
(501) 345-2610
Grades: 7-12
| 240 students
Rank: n/an/a
Uaccb Technical Center
Vocational School
2005 White Drive
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 612-2000
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Independence County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
955 Water Street
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2316
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2316
Grades: 6
| 170 students
Central Magnet Math & Science (Closed 2023)
Magnet School
650 Vine St
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7498
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-7498
Grades: K-6
| 364 students
225 School Rd
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Grades: 1-5
| 60 students
225 School Road
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Charlotte, AR 72522
(870) 799-3051
Grades: K-6
| 161 students
45 Park Street
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Grades: K-6
| 181 students
45 Park Street
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Cushman, AR 72526
(870) 793-6321
Grades: 7-12
| 152 students
1900 Lyon Street
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2821
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-2821
Grades: PK-K
| 261 students
P.o. Box 177
Oil Trough, AR 72564
(870) 264-3752
Oil Trough, AR 72564
(870) 264-3752
Grades: K-6
| 53 students
70 Scott Dr
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 251-2662
Grades: 7-9
| n/a students
P.o. Box 98
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-8088
Sulphur Rock, AR 72579
(870) 799-8088
Grades: 7-12
| 152 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Independence County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in Independence County, AR include Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School, Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School and Southside Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Independence County?
14 public schools are located in Independence County.
What percentage of students in Independence County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Independence County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Independence County?
Independence County public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Independence County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Independence County include: Southside Charter High School vs. Batesville High School Charter, Batesville High School Charter vs. Southside Charter High School, West Magnet Elementary School vs. Eagle Mountain Magnet Elementary School
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.