Best Downtown Public Charter Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public charter schools serving 2,008 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Downtown are Estem Junior High Public Charter School, Estem High School and Estem Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Arkansas public charter school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 40% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public charter school average of 51% (majority Black).

Best Public Charter Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Estem Junior High Public Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9335
Gr: 7-8 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #22.
Estem High School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 478-2800
Gr: 9-12 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #33.
Estem Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
112 W 3rd St
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 748-9200
Gr: K-6 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public charter schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR?
The top-ranked public charter schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock, AR include Estem Junior High Public Charter School, Estem High School and Estem Elementary School.
How many public charter schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
3 public charter schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock?
the neighborhood of Downtown, Little Rock public charter schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Arkansas public charter schools average of 51% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
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
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
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.

Quick Links