For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,160 students in Polk County, AR.
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, AR are Polk County Virtual Academy, Acorn High School and Mena High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, AR public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Arkansas public high school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 40% statewide average). High schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public high schools.
Polk County, AR public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the Arkansas average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Mena High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Arkansas or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Acorn High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Gr: 7-12 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Mena High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 S Morrow St
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-1144
Gr: 9-12 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Cossatot River High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6330 Hwy 71 S
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-4200
Gr: 7-12 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
Ua Rich Mountain Technical Center
Vocational School
1100 College Drive
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-7622
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-7622
Gr: 9-12
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
125 South Third
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6534
Gr: K-5 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Pobox 130
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Hatfield, AR 71945
(870) 389-6165
Gr: 7-12 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
1000 Geyer Dr
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2572
Gr: 6 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
110 South 5th St
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Cove, AR 71937
(870) 387-6923
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
130 School Dr
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2366
Gr: 7-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
130 School Dr.
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Wickes, AR 71973
(870) 385-2363
Gr: 5-8 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, AR?
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, AR include Polk County Virtual Academy, Acorn High School and Mena High School.
How many public high schools are located in Polk County?
5 public high schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public high schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Arkansas public high schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Polk County include: Mena High School vs. Acorn High School, Acorn High School vs. Mena High School, Cossatot River High School vs. Acorn High School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.