Top Schools and School Districts in Central Arkansas for Homebuyers

For many families moving to Central Arkansas, choosing the right home is just as much about the school district as it is about the number of bedrooms or the size of the backyard. Strong schools can impact not only your child’s education but also your property value and long-term investment.

Here’s a guide to some of the top schools and school districts in Central Arkansas to help you make an informed decision.

🏫 Little Rock School District

• Overview: Serves much of the capital city, offering a mix of magnet programs, traditional schools, and advanced placement options.

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School – strong academic and arts reputation

  • Forest Heights STEM Academy – focus on science, technology, engineering, and math

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• Why it matters for buyers: Access to a variety of specialized programs attracts families looking for enrichment opportunities.

🏫 Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD)

• Areas Served: Sherwood, Maumelle, and parts of Little Rock

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Maumelle High School – newer facilities and athletic programs

  • Sylvan Hills Middle/High – strong sense of community

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• Buyer Advantage: Homes in Maumelle and Sherwood often appeal to buyers who want suburban living but easy access to Little Rock.

🏫 Bryant School District

• Overview: Consistently one of the highest-rated districts in the state.

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Bryant High School – academic success, championship sports, and expanding facilities

  • Strong elementary feeder schools with solid parent involvement

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• Why Buyers Love It: Families moving to Bryant often cite schools as the #1 reason for relocating. Property values here stay strong.

🏫 Benton School District

• Overview: Another growing district in Saline County, with a focus on academics and community pride.

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Benton High School – highly competitive athletics and a supportive parent community

  • Innovative programs for college and career readiness

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• Buyer Tip: Benton homes tend to offer slightly more space/acreage at competitive prices compared to neighboring districts.

🏫 Conway School District

• Overview: Anchored by the University of Central Arkansas, Conway schools benefit from a strong educational culture.

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Conway High School – wide range of AP and extracurricular programs

  • Recognized for music, arts, and academic excellence

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• Why It Appeals: Families moving to Conway are drawn by both the schools and the city’s reputation as a “college town” with big-city amenities.

🏫 Cabot School District

• Overview: A fast-growing district in Lonoke County, popular with military families relocating to Little Rock Air Force Base.

• Highlights:

  
  

  • Cabot High School – one of the largest in the state, offering diverse programs

  • Strong athletics, band, and academic opportunities

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• Buyer Insight: Military families often buy here for stability, resale value, and access to strong community schools.

✅ The Bottom Line

When buying a home in Central Arkansas, school districts play a huge role in long-term value. Bryant, Benton, Conway, Cabot, PCSSD, and LRSD each offer unique strengths. The best fit depends on your family’s needs, commute preferences, and budget.

👩‍💼 Need Help Choosing the Right Area?

As a Central Arkansas Realtor®, I help families find not only the right home—but also the right school district for their lifestyle. Whether you’re considering Bryant, Benton, Conway, Cabot, or Little Rock, I’ll guide you through every option.

📲 Contact Me Here to start your home search today!