North-Central Arkansas Schools Show Strong Gains in Latest ATLAS Testing

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has released the latest school performance results based on the 2025-26 Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS). Schools in north-central Arkansas performed well, with 49 out of 63 schools—approximately 78%—earning either an A or B grade. Among the region's 22 school districts, 19 districts also received A or B grades.

The ATLAS assessments, taken annually by students in grades 3-10, evaluate proficiency and growth in math, science, and English language arts. The state’s grading system places special emphasis on the progress made by the lowest-performing 25% of students. For high schools, graduation rates are factored into the grading formula as well.

Significant improvements were observed this year, with 22 schools in the region enhancing their grades from the previous year. Notably, three schools made exceptional progress with an improvement of two letter grades each. Norfork High School and Harrison Kindergarten both advanced from a C to an A, while Mountain View Elementary improved from a D to a B.

Seven schools in the region earned the top grade of an A. These schools include Cotter High School, Norfork High School, Salem Elementary, Melbourne Elementary, Bergman Elementary, Harrison Kindergarten, and Harrison Forest Heights Elementary. Forty-two schools received B grades, 11 schools earned C grades, and two schools were assigned D grades. Timbo Elementary School was the only school in the region to be given an F grade this year.

Among full district grades, five local school districts achieved an A. These districts are Cotter, Norfork, Salem, Melbourne, and Harrison. Statewide, only 26 total districts earned an A grade this year. Thirteen districts in the region received a B grade.

While most schools showed positive or consistent performance, nine schools in the region saw their overall grades decline compared to last year. Full school and district grades are available on the Arkansas Department of Education's website, providing detailed year-to-year comparisons.