We are proud to announce that the School for Advanced Studies Northwest Arkansas has outperformed Arkansas state averages on the 2025 Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS) test.
Our students performed remarkably well in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science, based on student results from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). These scores reflect our students’ performance during our very first school year.
Congratulations to our entire school community for this incredible achievement!
Why Is ATLAS Important?
ATLAS provides a comprehensive snapshot of student mastery, college and career readiness, and alignment with state standards. It was designed to help parents, teachers, and school administrators measure student performance compared to grade-level expectations.
The ATLAS end-of-year summative assessment is administered to all Arkansas public school students in grades three through eight in ELA, Mathematics, and Science. High school students take ELA assessments in grades nine and 10 and end-of-course (EOC) exams in Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology.
“In our very first year, ATLAS results confirm what our school community already knows—School for Advanced Studies Northwest Arkansas students, teachers, and families are dedicated to high achievement and a culture of intellectual curiosity,” says Jennifer Higgins, Head of School. “These results represent a yearlong pursuit of skill building, knowledge, and confidence to excel in college and beyond. Our commitment to academic rigor and exploration is making a measurable difference for every student.”
School for Advanced Studies ATLAS Results
On the 2024–25 ATLAS assessment, School for Advanced Studies students excelled across the board, demonstrating mastery or advanced understanding of grade-level content by achieving at Level Three or Level Four.
In ELA, Math, and Science, our students’ average scores were more than double the average Arkansas scores.
ELA
In ELA, 75% of SAS NWA students achieved Level Three or Level Four, compared to just 34% statewide—a 41% advantage.
Performance was especially notable in grades seven and nine, where 84% and 92% of SAS students, respectively, reached these benchmarks.
Math
In Mathematics, 70% of School for Advanced Studies students achieved Level Three or Level Four, more than double the state average of 34%.
Particularly strong results were seen in grade six math (88% vs. 40% statewide) and Algebra I (67% vs. 31% statewide).
Science
In Science, 77% of SAS NWA students achieved grade-level mastery or advanced proficiency, compared to 38% for the state—an impressive 39% differential.
The Secrets Behind Our Success
Our students’ performance on the 2025 ATLAS test can be attributed to our advanced curriculum, expert teachers, and commitment to academic excellence.
The School for Advanced Studies Curriculum is designed to foster a deep appreciation for knowledge across all disciplines. We provide an engaging and intellectually stimulating education for our students, with discussion-based seminars and collaborative projects.
In high school, students shape their own academic journey by choosing a concentration in Fine Arts, Humanities, or Math & Science. These focused pathways offer specialized coursework and projects, allowing students to tailor their education to their passions.
Are you ready to see how the School for Advanced Studies could help your student thrive? Our tuition-free public charter school for grades 5–12 is now enrolling for the 2025–26 school year. Applications for 2026–27 will open in the fall of 2025.
The School for Advanced Studies is open to all Arkansas students, with no entrance exams. Visit our Apply page to submit your online application and start the process of being a SAS family!
