Best 72143 Arkansas Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,492 students in 72143, AR (there are 7 private schools, serving 914 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in 72143, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72143, AR are Westside Elementary School, Southwest Middle School and Mcrae Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72143 have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72143, AR have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).

Best 72143, AR Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Westside Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
512 Country Club Rd
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-0111
Gr: PK-3 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Southwest Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1000 W Beebe Capps
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-3125
Gr: 4-6 | 913 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Mcrae Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
609 W Mcrae
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-3936
Gr: PK-3 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Ahlf Junior High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
308 W Vine
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-3158
Gr: 7-8 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Searcy High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
301 N Ella
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-8315
Gr: 9-12 | 1,220 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Sidney Deener Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
163 Cloverdale
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-3850
Gr: PK-3 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #77.
Riverview Junior High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
820 Raider Dr
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 279-7111
Gr: 7-8 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #88.
Riverview High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
810 Raider Dr
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 279-7700
Gr: 9-12 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 37%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 72143, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72143, AR include Westside Elementary School, Southwest Middle School and Mcrae Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 72143?
8 public schools are located in 72143.
What percentage of students in 72143 go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in 72143 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72143?
72143 public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links