For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,943 students in St. Francis County, AR (there are 2 private schools, serving 664 private students). 82% of all K-12 students in St.
Francis County, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
The top ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR are Palestine-wheatley Elem. School, Palestine-wheatley Senior High School and Lincoln Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
St. Francis County, AR public schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in St. Francis County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in St. Francis County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Palestine-wheatley Elem. School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
105 Westwood St
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2246
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2246
Grades: PK-6
| 459 students
Rank: #22.
Palestine-wheatley Senior High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7900 Hwy 70 W
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2425
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2425
Grades: 7-12
| 356 students
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
616 W Broadway Ave
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 261-1810
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 261-1810
Grades: 6
| 155 students
Rank: #44.
Stewart Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
625 Irving St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1365
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1365
Grades: 3-5
| 418 students
Rank: #55.
Forrest City Jr. High School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1133 N Division St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3230
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-3230
Grades: 7-8
| 278 students
Rank: #66.
Forrest City High School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
467 Victoria St
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1464
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1464
Grades: 9-12
| 568 students
Rank: n/an/a
801 Deaderick Rd
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Grades: PK-2
| 709 students
Rank: n/an/a
East Arkansas Secondary Career Center
Vocational School
1700 New Castle Rd
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-4480
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-4480
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
St. Francis County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
4986 Hwy 1 North
Caldwell, AR 72322
(870) 633-1365
Caldwell, AR 72322
(870) 633-1365
Grades: K-5
| 255 students
637 S Washington
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 870-9135
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 870-9135
Grades: 5-8
| 95 students
2505 Sycamore Street
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1626
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1626
Grades: K-5
| 337 students
310 College St
Hughes, AR 72348
(870) 339-2580
Hughes, AR 72348
(870) 339-2580
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
106 N 5th St
Madison, AR 72359
(870) 633-1081
Madison, AR 72359
(870) 633-1081
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
310 College St
Hughes, AR 72348
(870) 339-2545
Hughes, AR 72348
(870) 339-2545
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
212 8th St
Wheatley, AR 72392
(870) 457-2121
Wheatley, AR 72392
(870) 457-2121
Grades: 6-8
| 157 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR?
The top ranked public schools in St. Francis County, AR include Palestine-wheatley Elem. School, Palestine-wheatley Senior High School and Lincoln Academy.
How many public schools are located in St. Francis County?
8 public schools are located in St. Francis County.
What percentage of students in St. Francis County go to public school?
82% of all K-12 students in St. Francis County are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in St. Francis County?
St. Francis County public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Which public schools in St. Francis County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in St. Francis County include: East Arkansas Secondary Career Center vs. Forrest City High School, Forrest City High School vs. Palestine-wheatley Senior High School, East Arkansas Secondary Career Center vs. Palestine-wheatley Senior High School
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