2024 Best Preschools in Arkansas

A Guide to Navigating Preschools in Arkansas

Preschool is the first step in a child’s journey of education, and it’s important that families make the right decision when selecting a preschool. Arkansas currently has 622 preschools, which is lower than the national average by 11%, but don't let that deter you, as the state's schools boast an average grade of B, which is in line with national averages. Furthermore, 257 of these schools (41%) are rated above the national average, so parents have plenty of options to choose from.

The typical preschool in Arkansas has an average enrollment of 367 students, only 1% lower than the national average. Moreover, student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1 on average, approximately on par with the rest of the nation. So parents can rest assured that their children will be getting enough individualized attention.

Key Facts About Public preschools in Arkansas

Public schools make up 77% of all preschools in Arkansas, with 477 options available in total. Most public schools are larger than private ones, and same goes for Arkansas—its public schools have an average student count of 417 students, 13% higher than the nation's typical public school. The good news is that these schools achieve an overall B– grade. Although this isn't ideal for parents looking for something above-average, it does mean that there will be plenty of options for families of all income levels and backgrounds.

All about traditional public schools in Arkansas

Traditional public schools are the most common type of public school nationally and particularly in Arkansas, making up 91% of all public preschools. As far as quality goes, these schools tend to exceed expectations and Arkansas is no exception—the traditional public schools here have an overall B– rating (one notch higher than the national average). Moreover, 49% beat the national average—which equates to 212 different preschools—so there's more than enough to go around. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the traditional public schools tend to be slightly larger than other types of preschools—their average size is 10% greater than that of other schools.

Arkansas's Top Traditional Public Preschool: Willowbrook Elementary School

One standout traditional public school in Arkansas is Willowbrook Elementary School, located in Bentonville. The community here is known for its excellence and commitment to providing students with a top-notch education experience. Willowbrook has 853 students in total and boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 22:1—both metrics are significantly higher than most public schools, parents should double-check with administration if this raises concern. The school’s ratio is 57% better than the national average—a feat few traditional public schools can match. Another great option if you're set on the traditional route is Central Park at Morning Star. The preschool is located in Bentonville as well, and has about 768 students enrolled as well as an A+ rating (which is partly due to their student to faculty ratio being 36% better than national averages).

All About Charter Preschools in Arkansas

Charter schools are another popular alternative to traditional schooling and they remain popular despite being far less common than other types of public schools. Fortunately for parents living in Arkansas, there are still 26 different charter school options spread across towns and cities like Springdale and Rogers (to name a few). With such a low per capita rate of 26th out of all states nationally though; it’s important to note that these may be harder to find than regular traditional public schools. Yet despite this slight absence they do still score relatively even with other states at a B– grade. Even more encouraging though, 8 out of 26 charter school options manage to exceed America’s national average; meaning 31% still offer quality education above what you'd find elsewhere nationally!

What is the best charter preschool in Arkansas?

When it comes to charter school excellence within state lines Founders Classical Academy of Bentonville ranks highest amongst its peers with an A rating overall. Foundations has nearly 700 students enrolled making it just a bit smaller than typical charter school's nationwide but it certainly makes up for it with its impressive student-to-teacher ratio which sits at 17:1 (that's 21% worse than normal). If this doesn't seem like a fit for your family then another strong option coming in second would be Maumelle Charter Elementary School which has an A rating as well but differs from Foundations Classical Academy being slightly larger coming with 791 students enrolled on average and a ratio 21:1 (that's 50% larger than most other typical charter schools, might be worth digging deeper with the school to understand this ratio). Maumelle Charter Elementary School is set in the North East corner of the state.

Deep Dive on magnet preschools in Arkansas

Magnet Schools are also gaining traction due to their specialization on certain subjects or interests which may appeal more directly to some families needs or interests over others so if this sounds like something your family might be interested then fortunately you can find 17 magnet preschools spread across various cities.

An Exploration into the Finest Magnet Preschools in Arkansas

When it comes to magnet preschools in Arkansas,1 you have3 plenty of options0. One of the top contenders is Sulphur Rock0 Magnet School, located in the city of Sulphur Rock. Being a magnet school, Sulphur Rock Magnet School places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. This is evidenced by its A- grade and student to teacher ratio of 11:1, which is 21% lower than the national average. Even with a relatively small student population of 264, the school has been able to provide its students with a quality education. If you're looking for a magnet preschool that offers an excellent curriculum and a more intimate learning atmosphere, Sulphur Rock Magnet School is certainly worth considering. The second best magnet preschool in Arkansas is Gibbs Magnet Elementary School, located in Little Rock. The school also has an impressive A- grade and has a student population of 280. The student-teacher ratio at this school is 14:1, which isn't significantly higher than the national average but still provides students with adequate means for learning. Gibbs Magnet Elementary School is an ideal alternative for parents who might be looking for a larger school environment that still maintains an excellent academic standard.

Investigating Private Schools in Arkansas

Private schools are also a popular choice among Arkansas parents, with 140 private schools being available within the state. The average grade for these schools is an impressive A-, and the average student population per school is 171 students, which is 54% lower than the national average. This could mean that these schools are providing students with more individualized attention than typical schools, resulting in higher achievement levels overall. Religious schools account for 81% of all private schools in Arkansas, with 113 institutions throughout the state. The most common type of religious school in Arkansas is Christian schools, making up 85 of the 113 total religious institutions. The average grade for religious schools in Arkansas is B+, although this still puts them higher than the national average. Additionally, these schools have an average student population of 175 students, which is 53% lower than the national average, meaning that these religious institutions may be providing students with more personalized attention, although that's not always the case - as smaller school sizes don't necessarily equate to smaller class groups.

What are the best religious preschools in Arkansas?

The highest-rated religious preschool in Arkansas is The Episcopal Collegiate School, located in Little Rock. This school earned an exceptional A+ rating and boasts an impressive 7 to 1 student to teacher ratio – 50% lower than the national average – making it one of the top-rated religious schools in the state. With a student population of 782, this school offers plenty of room to grow and learn while still providing ample resources and individualized attention to each student. A close second place goes to Little Rock Christian Academy located in Little Rock as well – but with 1446 students enrolled it's far larger than The Episcopal Collegiate School's 782 students enrolled. Still, it has managed to maintain an A rating and its 10:1 student-teacher ratio is 29% below the national average - guaranteeing that each student receives personal attention from faculty and staff alike. This makes it another great option for those looking for a religious school experience without compromising on education quality or resources.

A snapshot on private non-religious preschools in Arkansas

Private non-religious preschools also play an important role when it comes to preschool alternatives in Arkansas – out of all private schools within the state 4% are private non-religious ones – 27 institutions throughout the entire state with an impressive A grade on average – although only 11% score above national averages still making them great alternatives for families/parents who don't want to compromise on education quality while at same time not wanting their children to be influenced by any particular religion and its values/beliefs early on in their lives. The size of these schools tends to be smaller than typical private preschools across the country – with just 154 students enrolled on average – surpassing national averages by 58%.

Top Private Non-Religious preschools in Arkansas

For those looking for a private non-religious option as an alternative to public schooling Pulaski Academy might be an ideal choice– located in Little Rock; with 1393 students enrolled– it's one of the largest ones among private non-religious alternatives available within the state; yet at same time with 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio– 43% lower than national averages–it's definitely providing its pupils with personalized attention one can expect from such institution–all topped off with their A+ grade – putting it among top rated ones within entire state! The second best non-religious option may be Lee Academy– located just about 24 miles outside Little Rock; although its grade B– might not seem as impressive as Pulaski Academy's –236 students enrolled make it quite small compared to other alternatives available within same vicinity– ensuring personalized attention to each child attending this particular institution.