If you’re considering a move to Northwest Arkansas, one of the pressing concerns you might have could be the schooling system in NWA. How can you be sure that your kid will receive the best education possible in a new area?
The schools in Northwest Arkansas guarantee the best education across various fields. They span across public, charter, magnet, and public schools. There are many options to choose from, so you can rest assured that you will find a school best suited to your child’s needs.
In this article, I’ll explore the differences between the schools, why they’re so successful, and why technology and math are thriving in Northwest Arkansas. I’ll also talk about the best school districts in the area.
Video:
What Is the Northwest Arkansas School System Like?
The Northwest Arkansas school system is split between Public, Charter, Magnet, and Private schools. Public, Magnet and Charter schools are free to attend, while Private schools must be paid for.
Let’s break down these schools:
Public School
I’m sure you’re most familiar with public schools. For example, if you live in Fayetteville, you go to Fayetteville schools. And if you live in Farmington, you go to Farmington schools, etc.
Our tax dollars go to paying for the public sector school system.
Northwest Arkansas has won several awards – Architecture in Northwest Arkansas
Charter School
A charter school is a publicly funded school system that is separate from the public school system, but it’s funded by public taxpayer dollars.
They are usually geared towards a more specific topic than a public school system.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Planning to move to NWA? Looking for opportunities? How to Find a Job In Northwest Arkansas?
Magnet School
A magnet school is also another publicly funded school system and is even more niched down in its school curriculum. It’s often targeted towards students with special abilities and interests. They often provide specialist educational programs and services in specific niches.
Private School
There are many private schools in Northwest Arkansas, from Christian schools and new schools to technology and Montessori schools. Private schools must be paid out-of-pocket, but there are often grants and scholarships available to those who perform exceptionally well.
However, Fayetteville does have a veteran’s hospital located right here in NWA. And so, if you are a veteran and you are looking to move to different parts of America, just know that you’ll have a full-service hospital right here for you.
Interesting Facts About Northwest Arkansas Schools
Now, let’s talk about four interesting facts about the Northwest Arkansas school system:
You Have a Wider Choice of Schools
One of the fantastic things about the NWA school system is that you have a choice of which school to attend regardless of where you live.
For example, if you live in Fayetteville and want to send your kids to Rogers or Bentonville school system, you can. All you have to do is apply online before the application expiry period, and you can get accepted to the school.
In Chicago, for example, if you live in a specific city, you would be forced to send your student to a particular school district in the area. However, there are some occasions where you could pay extra money on top of your typical tax to send them to a different school system. But that’s around $5000, which is a lot of money.
However, in Northwest Arkansas, you can choose from schools in different areas without the extra hassle, paperwork, and money. This is great because if your kid has special needs or they want to focus more on technology, or animal science, you can send them to that school based on those different interests. Your location doesn’t limit you.
You Can Get a Fayetteville Library Card
Another interesting fact about NWA is that you could live in Bentonville, Elkins, or even Lincoln, and you can still go to Fayetteville Library and get a library card.
The Fayetteville Library is an amazing place to go and learn all sorts of things.
All Family Members Can Get Accepted to the Same School
Another fact about the charter and magnet schools in NWA is that if one family member gets accepted to a school, then it’s relatively easy for the other family members to get accepted to the same school. Schools in the area tend to pay special attention to keeping families together.
Everyone Is Required To Take a Coding Class
The governor signed a law a few years ago requiring every student in Arkansas to take a coding or high technology class to be able to graduate. This is so they are ready for the future of technology.
And Arkansas is only one of four states that require that standard. The other states included are California, the tech hub of the world, and New York, the world’s business hub. So, you can see that Arkansas is interested in actively educating its youth in skills that are valuable now and in the future.
Why Is the NWA School System So Successful?
The NWA school system is successful because of the competition within the system. Schools compete for academic successes in the area. There is also a lot of accountability within the system, and expectations are high for all schools operating in Northwest Arkansas.
There Is a Lot of Competition Within the System
I love the competition between school systems because if they are competing for teachers, students, funding, technology, and innovation, then they have to ensure they budget well and everyone works like a well-oiled machine.
Therefore, there are fewer problems in school districts because they know that they will lose funding and students if they don’t do a better job than other schools.
So this creates competitiveness between the magnet, charter, public, and private schools because they’re all reaching for students and funding and are trying to make their schools the best they can be.
In this competition, the winners are always the students, parents, and teachers.
There Is Increased Accountability Within the Schools
For example, if you don’t like a school, you can easily move to a new one in the NWA school system. This creates a sense of accountability among schools because removing students from their schools dampens their school system and threatens their reputation.
Therefore, this motivates schools to raise the bar to ensure that students get the best education.
There Are Rising Expectations
Northwest Arkansas is home to three of the biggest companies in the world. This draws in more corporate workers from different parts of America. And they bring families with them. Therefore, with all this new talent and rising expectations, the schools have to match those expectations. So, the bar is constantly being raised.
What Schools Are Good in Northwest Arkansas?
The schools that are considered good in Northwest Arkansas are the Bentonville and Fayetteville school systems. These are exceptional schools and renowned in the area. Haas Hall Academy and the New Technology school are also very good.
If you are thinking about moving here and looking to put your students in some of the best education in America, let’s dive into the best schools here:
Bentonville School System
The Bentonville school is very highly rated. They have access to a lot of technology and are advanced in the way they educate their students. Therefore, it’s likely the best option in Arkansas and by far one of the best school systems in America.
Fayetteville School System
Fayetteville has just built a unique, technologically advanced high school. And if you’re ever coming to Fayetteville, check it out because it is a sprawling masterpiece.
Furthermore, if you have a student interested in theater, sports, or technology, Fayetteville high school has an excellent curriculum for those students. And this school also shares resources with its college.
Haas Hall
Haas Hall Academy is one of the charter magnet schools in NWA. It’s a great school system that is highly rated and respected here.
It is an application-only school and is very technologically advanced. So, your student will love it. It also equips students to prepare for college-focused AP classes and makes sure they’re ready even to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree.
The New Technology School
The New Technology School is also another highly respected school. Additionally, if your student is into STEM, STEAM, technology, engineering, or science, this school is perfect for them, since they have access to elite technologies and equipment that many schools do not.
Farmington School System
The Farmington School System is the unsung hero of schools in NWA. It is a highly sought out and respected school system on the west side of Fayetteville. The reason why people love the Farmington school system so much is the small student-to-teacher ratio.
They also have a fantastic sports program and do well in their academics.
The Hope Academy
The Hope Academy is designed for students that have suffered abuse in their past. And these students need a little extra love and care than a public school can usually provide. Therefore, the teachers at Hope Academy have a special place because they’re so motivated to see these students excel, even though they might have a terrible past.
Don Tyson School of Innovation
This school is a mix of charter and the public school system and it’s focused on technology, STEAM, STEM, science, and math. It is attached to the Springdale school system, but it is also a separate charter school.
So, even if you live in another city, you can still send your students to Don Tyson, especially if they’re interested in coding, robotics, etc.
Thaden School
Thaden has its own separate board of directors, and they make their own curriculum. They are a very thoughtful and forward-thinking school, and you can see this in the curriculum they set up for their students.
Another thing I love about Thaden is that they work in a collaborative environment, which means that students work through things together rather than solo projects.
Final Thoughts
The Northwest Arkansas school system is put together and well thought out. And the schools are continually raising the bar and exceeding expectations, so your kid’s future is in safe hands.
There are a variety of options to consider, and these schools will not only benefit your child’s academic life but their overall well-being too.