For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 1,168 students in St. Francis County, AR.
The top-ranked public preschool in St. Francis County, AR is Palestine-wheatley Elem. School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
St. Francis County, AR public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Arkansas public pre school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 35% statewide average). Pre schools in St. Francis County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public preschool average of 47% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in St. Francis County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palestine-wheatley Elem. School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
105 Westwood St
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2246
Palestine, AR 72372
(870) 581-2246
Gr: PK-6 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
801 Deaderick Rd
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-2141
Gr: PK-2 | 709 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
St. Francis County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4986 Hwy 1 North
Caldwell, AR 72322
(870) 633-1365
Caldwell, AR 72322
(870) 633-1365
Gr: K-5 | 255 students Minority enrollment: 70%
1388 Sfc 118
Colt, AR 72326
(870) 633-6467
Colt, AR 72326
(870) 633-6467
Gr: 8-9 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
637 S Washington
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 870-9135
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 870-9135
Gr: 5-8 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
2505 Sycamore Street
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1626
Forrest City, AR 72335
(870) 633-1626
Gr: K-5 | 337 students Minority enrollment: 79%
212 8th St
Wheatley, AR 72392
(870) 457-2121
Wheatley, AR 72392
(870) 457-2121
Gr: 6-8 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in St. Francis County, AR?
The top-ranked public preschools in St. Francis County, AR include Palestine-wheatley Elem. School.
How many public preschools are located in St. Francis County?
2 public preschools are located in St. Francis County.
What is the racial composition of students in St. Francis County?
St. Francis County public preschools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public preschools average of 47% (majority Black).
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.
