Cotter High School Earns First-Ever A Grade From State Assessment

For the first time in its history, Cotter High School has earned an A grade from the Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) for the 2025-2026 school year. The achievement places the high school among only seven schools in North Central Arkansas—out of 63 evaluated in the area—to receive this distinction.

The ATLAS system evaluates student performance in grades 3-10, factoring in proficiency in math, science, and English language arts, as well as growth in these areas, with special attention given to the lowest-performing 25% of students.

High School Principal Jarod Jefferson, who received the news last Thursday, attributed the milestone to a combination of factors, including a focused effort on academic growth and a strong community spirit within the district. Jefferson described the school’s “tribe mentality” as a driving force behind the achievement.

The high school’s progress also contributed to lifting the entire district’s rating to an A grade this year. While the elementary school has maintained a steady B rating in recent assessments, the high school’s success helped push the district over the top.

In addition to the A grade, the district was named an Arkansas GEM School for placing in the top 10% statewide in math, science, and test performance. This designation could open new funding opportunities for the district, further supporting its programs and initiatives.

Cotter High School recorded an impressive 96% graduation rate for the 2025-2026 school year. As part of the celebration, the school plans to extend lunch periods and host social activities for students.

“It took a lot of hard work from everyone across the district to reach this milestone,” Jefferson said, expressing pride over the collective effort that made the accomplishment possible.

Cotter is not alone in improving its academic performance in the region. Nineteen schools in the surrounding area showed letter grade improvements in the latest ATLAS assessment cycle, indicating a broader trend of educational advancement in North Central Arkansas.