Families in Northwest Arkansas have more education options than ever before! In communities like Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, and Fayetteville, families can choose from options such as traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and private schools. Finding the right school for your family depends on what type of educational experience you’re looking for.
Here are our top tips for finding the best schools in Northwest Arkansas.
A great place to start your school search is determining what you value in a school. Every family (and every student) is different. Take some time to think about if there’s anything specific you and your student are looking for in a school. Some factors to consider include:
At the School for Advanced Studies, we pride ourselves on our student-centered approach to learning. We’re a great fit for students who want to delve into discussion and inquiry, with seminar classes that mimic the college experience. We also offer
specialized academic pathways in Fine Arts, Humanities, and Math & Science. Learn more about the Advanced Studies experience.
There are many different types of schools in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s a brief overview of how these schools compare to one another.
Traditional public schools are district schools that are assigned based on your home address. Thanks to the Arkansas Public School Choice Act of 2015, Arkansas students are also able to attend public schools outside of their district. This type of school is publicly funded and free to attend.
Magnet schools are public schools that specialize in specific subjects, such as STEM or the arts. Although they are operated by public school districts, they are schools of choice—meaning that families need to apply to attend. Some magnet schools take test scores and student interviews into account during the enrollment process. If a magnet school has more applications than available seats, they will often use a lottery system for enrollment.
Charter schools in Northwest Arkansas are schools that are publicly funded but independently operated. There are roughly 85 charter schools across the state of Arkansas. Many charter schools—like the School for Advanced Studies in Rogers, AR— have innovative academic programs and teaching methods. Like other public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students. The admissions process usually involves filling out an application and potentially entering a lottery system. Learn more about the benefits of Northwest Arkansas charter schools.
Northwest Arkansas has a range of private school options, both secular and religious. Admission requirements vary from school to school. Private schools do charge tuition and are not subject to the same academic standards as public schools. Families who are interested in Arkansas private schools may be able to offset tuition costs with education savings accounts (ESAs) and tax-credit scholarships.
One of the best ways to determine if a school is the right fit for your family is to visit the school in person. Many schools in Northwest Arkansas offer tours or info sessions for prospective families. During a school tour, you’ll get to see the campus, meet teachers and staff, and learn more about the school’s curriculum and culture.
At the School for Advanced Studies, we invite all prospective parents and students to visit us at our historic campus to discover the unique feel of our school. Click here to view upcoming tour times and register for your visit.
School tours are a great time to ask questions! The following questions can help you get a clearer picture of what your child’s day-to-day experience might look like:
You will also want to ask about any potential tuition costs and fees, as well as what the admissions process looks like. The School for Advanced Studies is tuition-free and accepts applications year round, but all schools have different policies for enrollment. It’s important to know what to expect before you fill out an application!
After you’ve visited several schools near you, it’s time to compare the pros and cons of each school. Make a list of what you did and didn’t like about each campus. Is there one school that stands out as a frontrunner? Be sure to get your student involved in the decision-making process and ask for their opinions.
If you’re looking for a top-tier middle school and high school in Northwest Arkansas, the School for Advanced Studies could be the right fit for you! Our tuition-free charter school for grades 5–12 empowers students to become confident leaders, ready to tackle future challenges head on.
The School for Advanced Studies stands out from other schools in Rogers and surrounding areas. Here’s why families love our school!
Ready to see your student thrive at the School for Advanced Studies? Take a school tour or apply today to start the process of becoming a SAS family!
