For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,889 students in 72209, AR (there are 7 private schools, serving 967 private students). 78% of all K-12 students in 72209, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR are Wakefield Elementary School, Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock and Graduate Arkansas Charter High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72209 have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 15% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72209, AR have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72209, AR Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wakefield Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
75 Westminister
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6600
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6600
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock
Charter School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6111 W 83rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 568-3279
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 568-3279
Gr: K-8 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Graduate Arkansas Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6724 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 500-9270
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 500-9270
Gr: 9-12 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 56:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Watson Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
7000 Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6800
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-6800
Gr: K-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Arkansas Military And First Responders Academy (Amfra)
Charter School
10710 I-30
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 942-6372
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 942-6372
Gr: 9-11 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
9417 Geyer Springs Road
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4300
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4300
Gr: K-8 | 1,252 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: n/an/a
The Excel Center
Charter School
7400 Scott Hamilton Dr Suite
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 372-5100
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 372-5100
Gr: 12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
5240 Mabelvale Pike
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4800
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-4800
Gr: PK | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Metropolitan Career & Technical Center
Vocational School
7701 Scott Hamilton Dr
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-1200
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 447-1200
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72209, AR include Wakefield Elementary School, Exalt Academy Of Southwest Little Rock and Graduate Arkansas Charter High School.
How many public schools are located in 72209?
9 public schools are located in 72209.
What percentage of students in 72209 go to public school?
78% of all K-12 students in 72209 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72209?
72209 public schools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.