For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,096 students in Polk County, AR.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, AR are Cossatot River Elementary School, Polk County Virtual Academy and Mena Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, AR public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 39% statewide average). Elementary schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Arkansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cossatot River Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
130 School Dr
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2346
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2346
Grades: 3-6
| 221 students
Rank: #22.
Polk County Virtual Academy
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1100 E Boundary Ave
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1710
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1710
Grades: K-12
| 15 students
Rank: #33.
Mena Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
320r Mena St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Grades: 6-8
| 365 students
Rank: #44.
Holly Harshman Elem. School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1000 Geyer Dr
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-3151
Grades: 3-5
| 454 students
Rank: #55.
Acorn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833
Grades: PK-6
| 343 students
Rank: #66.
Van Cove Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
122 E Adair St
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-2744
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-2744
Grades: K-6
| 157 students
Rank: n/an/a
122 E Adair St
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Vandervoort, AR 71972
(870) 387-6923
Grades: PK-2
| 171 students
Rank: n/an/a
106 N Reine St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2943
Grades: K-2
| 370 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
125 South Third
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Grades: K-5
| 94 students
Pobox 130
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Grades: 7-12
| 172 students
1000 Geyer Dr
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Grades: 6
| 147 students
110 South 5th St
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Grades: 7-12
| 166 students
130 School Dr
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Grades: 7-12
| 275 students
130 School Dr.
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Grades: 5-8
| 166 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, AR?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, AR include Cossatot River Elementary School, Polk County Virtual Academy and Mena Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Polk County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Polk County include: Holly Harshman Elem. School vs. Acorn Elementary School, Acorn Elementary School vs. Louise Durham Elem. School, Louise Durham Elem. School vs. Acorn Elementary School
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.