For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,744 students in 72204, AR (there are 4 private schools, serving 245 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in 72204, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR are Estem High School, Parkview Magnet High School and Western Hills Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72204 have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72204, AR have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72204, AR Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Estem High School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Gr: 9-12 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #22.
Parkview Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2501 John Barrow Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-2300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-2300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,072 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #33.
Western Hills Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4901 Western Hills Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6900
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6900
Gr: K-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
Stephens Elementary School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3700 W 18th Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6400
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6400
Gr: PK-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #55.
Bale Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6501 W 32nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3600
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-3600
Gr: K-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Academies Of Math And Science School
Charter School
6423 Stagecoach Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 295-3424
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 295-3424
Gr: K-8 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: n/an/a
Friendship Academy Little Rock Elementary School
Charter School
Little Rock Ar 72204
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 500-0558
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 500-0558
Gr: K-5 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: n/an/a
Friendship Aspire Academy Little Rock Middle School
Charter School
Little Rock Ar 72204
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 621-1500
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 621-1500
Gr: 6-8 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
3400 Romine Road
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 447-6300
Gr: PK | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72204, AR include Estem High School, Parkview Magnet High School and Western Hills Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 72204?
9 public schools are located in 72204.
What percentage of students in 72204 go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in 72204 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72204?
72204 public schools minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.