Van Buren County Schools & Education
Van Buren County, Arkansas
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,008
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,160
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#8
of 75 counties (1 = best)
Explore Van Buren County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Van Buren County, Arkansas
Small-Scale Schools in a Rural Landscape
Van Buren County supports 2,199 students across seven public schools and three districts. The county’s educational infrastructure includes three elementary, one middle, and three high schools. This ensures that even in a sparsely populated area, students have access to dedicated facilities for every grade level.
Top-Tier Graduation and Scoring Rates
The county achieves an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, well above both state and national averages. A high per-pupil expenditure of $7,008 supports these results, contributing to a school score of 54.9 which is significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 51.9. These metrics suggest a system that is well-funded and high-achieving.
Clinton District Anchors Local Education
The Clinton School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,338 students through three schools. South Side and Shirley school districts also provide essential local services for their respective communities. No charter schools operate in Van Buren County, maintaining a focus on traditional public education.
Entirely Rural with Intimate Classrooms
All seven schools in the county are located in rural locales, offering a peaceful, nature-focused setting for students. The average school size is 314 students, with Cowsert Elementary being the largest at 613 students. This environment is ideal for families who prefer smaller schools where teachers and students are closely connected.
Peaceful Living with High Academic Standards
Van Buren County is a hidden gem for families who want a rural lifestyle without compromising on school quality. The high graduation rates and strong school scores make any area in the county a safe bet for educational success. Explore homes in the Clinton area for the best access to the county's largest school facilities.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Van Buren County
Total Enrollment
2,199
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Van Buren County
CLINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
7 Public Schools in Van Buren County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COWSERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CLINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 613 |
| CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL | CLINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 416 |
| CLINTON JR HIGH SCHOOL | CLINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 309 |
| SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 290 |
| SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL | SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 252 |
| SHIRLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–6 | Primary | 180 |
| SHIRLEY HIGH SCHOOL | SHIRLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 139 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,008
State avg $6,160
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Van Buren County, Arkansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Van Buren County, Arkansas?
Van Buren County supports 2,199 students across seven public schools and three districts. The county’s educational infrastructure includes three elementary, one middle, and three high schools. This ensures that even in a sparsely populated area, students have access to dedicated facilities for every grade level.
How do schools in Van Buren County perform academically?
The county achieves an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, well above both state and national averages. A high per-pupil expenditure of $7,008 supports these results, contributing to a school score of 54.9 which is significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 51.9. These metrics suggest a system that is well-funded and high-achieving.
What are the major school districts in Van Buren County, Arkansas?
The Clinton School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,338 students through three schools. South Side and Shirley school districts also provide essential local services for their respective communities. No charter schools operate in Van Buren County, maintaining a focus on traditional public education.
What is the school experience like in Van Buren County?
All seven schools in the county are located in rural locales, offering a peaceful, nature-focused setting for students. The average school size is 314 students, with Cowsert Elementary being the largest at 613 students. This environment is ideal for families who prefer smaller schools where teachers and students are closely connected.
How can I find homes near good schools in Van Buren County, Arkansas?
Van Buren County is a hidden gem for families who want a rural lifestyle without compromising on school quality. The high graduation rates and strong school scores make any area in the county a safe bet for educational success. Explore homes in the Clinton area for the best access to the county's largest school facilities.
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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.