St. Francis County Schools & Education
St. Francis County, Arkansas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
11/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
83.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
83.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,314
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,160
School Score
11/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#73
of 75 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: St. Francis County
School Verdict
St. Francis County faces educational challenges with a school score of 11/100 and a graduation rate of 83.3%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $5,314 per pupil, St. Francis County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for St. Francis County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 72% below the Arkansas average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 7.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in St. Francis County, Arkansas
Town-Centered Schools for the Community
St. Francis County features eight public schools serving a total of 2,934 students within three districts. The system is comprised of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. Most of these facilities are situated in town settings, serving as central hubs for local families.
Lower Expenditures and Graduation Challenges
The county faces funding challenges with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,314, which is below the Arkansas average of $6,160. This is reflected in a graduation rate of 83.3% and a composite school score of 46.4, both of which fall below national benchmarks. These metrics highlight an area where educators are working to improve outcomes with limited resources.
Forrest City Dominates the Educational Map
The Forrest City School District is the largest provider in the county, managing five schools and 2,159 students. The Palestine-Wheatley School District serves an additional 775 students across two schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county borders.
Town Locales and Moderate School Sizes
Six of the county's eight schools are located in town settings, providing an accessible educational experience for residents. The average school size is 419 students, though Central Elementary School stands out as the largest with 725 students. This creates a focused environment where the majority of campuses maintain a mid-sized feel.
Find Affordable Living Near Central Schools
Homebuyers in St. Francis County often look to Forrest City for its concentration of schools and community services. While school scores are currently lower than the state average, the centralized town schools offer convenience and a strong local identity. Consider the area's schools as a key factor in your neighborhood search.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in St. Francis County
Total Enrollment
2,934
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in St. Francis County
FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PALESTINE-WHEATLEY SCH. DIST.
EAST ARKANSAS CAREER CENTER
8 Public Schools in St. Francis County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–2 | Primary | 725 |
| FORREST CITY HIGH SCHOOL | FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 580 |
| STEWART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–5 | Primary | 440 |
| PALESTINE-WHEATLEY ELEM. SCH. | PALESTINE-WHEATLEY SCH. DIST. | PK–6 | Primary | 426 |
| PALESTINE-WHEATLEY SENIOR HIGH | PALESTINE-WHEATLEY SCH. DIST. | 7–12 | High | 349 |
| FORREST CITY JR. HIGH | FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–8 | Middle | 275 |
| LINCOLN ACADEMY | FORREST CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6 | Middle | 139 |
| EAST ARKANSAS SECONDARY CAREER CENTER | EAST ARKANSAS CAREER CENTER | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,314
State avg $6,160
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in St. Francis County rate?
What is the graduation rate in St. Francis County?
How much does St. Francis County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in St. Francis County, Arkansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in St. Francis County, Arkansas?
St. Francis County features eight public schools serving a total of 2,934 students within three districts. The system is comprised of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. Most of these facilities are situated in town settings, serving as central hubs for local families.
How do schools in St. Francis County perform academically?
The county faces funding challenges with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,314, which is below the Arkansas average of $6,160. This is reflected in a graduation rate of 83.3% and a composite school score of 46.4, both of which fall below national benchmarks. These metrics highlight an area where educators are working to improve outcomes with limited resources.
What are the major school districts in St. Francis County, Arkansas?
The Forrest City School District is the largest provider in the county, managing five schools and 2,159 students. The Palestine-Wheatley School District serves an additional 775 students across two schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county borders.
What is the school experience like in St. Francis County?
Six of the county's eight schools are located in town settings, providing an accessible educational experience for residents. The average school size is 419 students, though Central Elementary School stands out as the largest with 725 students. This creates a focused environment where the majority of campuses maintain a mid-sized feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in St. Francis County, Arkansas?
Homebuyers in St. Francis County often look to Forrest City for its concentration of schools and community services. While school scores are currently lower than the state average, the centralized town schools offer convenience and a strong local identity. Consider the area's schools as a key factor in your neighborhood search.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.