Education

Harrison School District:

Relationships and Rigor

The Harrison School District is proud to boast a strong education system with a focus on lifelong learning and a commitment to student success.  From children receiving their first copy of  “The Little Engine That Could” through the Boone County Imagination Library to developing valuable workforce skills at North Arkansas College, Harrison offers a wide range of educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Mission Statement: We strive to provide solid curriculum leadership, instructional support, and results-driven professional development across all content areas, as well as improve the quality of instructional programs resulting in higher student academic performance.

Harrison School District is the largest district in the 16-school region served by the Ozarks Unlimited Resource Educational Services Cooperative.  With over 2,700 students, the district spans more than 200 square miles and encompasses six schools, as well as a virtual academy.

Ozarks Unlimited Resources consists of 19 schools and 16 districts, 6 of which are located in Boone County (Harrison, Alpena, Lead Hill, Omaha, Valley Springs, Bergman).

Harrison School District Schools:

  • Harrison Preschool: focuses on literacy and preparing students for Kindergarten 

  • Harrison Kindergarten: maximizes learning at a higher level and ensures a smooth transition into elementary education

  • Forest Heights Elementary: provides curriculum leadership, instructional support and results-driven professional development to result in higher academic performance

  • Skyline Heights Elementary: focuses on individual acceptance into the educational program and providing students with a stimulating learning environment

  • Harrison Middle School: offers a wide variety of courses from preschool to college-level, ensuring a solid foundation for whatever path the students choose

  • Harrison High School: providing a variety of course levels and content to prepare students grade 9-12 for taking control of their future

  • Virtual Academy: allows students grades 3-12 to participate in online instruction created and facilitated by certified, professional educators  

Founded in 1974, North Arkansas College is a public two-year college offering transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of proficiency, customized business and industry training, adult basic education (GED) classes, and non-credit community education courses. Partnerships with area universities allow achieving a bachelor’s degree without leaving Harrison. Northark also offers online associate degrees, associate of applied science degrees, and certificates. The College celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2024. For 50 years, Northark has remained steadfast in its Mission to change lives by providing high-quality, affordable, accessible education.

North Arkansas College:

Quality, Affordability & Community 

Northark has a North and South campus, a Carroll County Center in Berryville and a location on Main Street that houses the business offices and an Educational Talent Search.  The school also provides residential housing through the Pioneer Villas, a two-story, on-campus residence hall that opened its doors in fall of 2022.

North Arkansas College is leading the state:

  • #1 Online Entrepreneurial Studies 

  • #1 Best Value Clinical/Medical Lab Science Associate Degree 

  • #3 Best RN Program in Arkansas

  • #3 Best Medical Assistant Program 

  • #4 Best Online Community College in Arkansas

Take a virtual tour of North Arkansas College!

Community Programs: Advocacy and Support

  • Harrison Public Schools Foundation: an independent 501(c)(3) entity that provides financial support for enrichment programs and activities to encourage the highest educational standards and increase community pride

  • Harrison PTA Council: an organization keeping all Harrison schools connected, advocating for children, and facilitating parental participation in schools

  • Boone County Imagination Library: This local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a monthly age-appropriate book to children from birth to age 5, serving nearly 1,300 children on average

  • Summer Programs: GOBSmobile, Camp Invention, Boot Camp, Summer School, and Extended Learning Opportunities

Acknowledging Excellence: Honors and Recognition

Harrison’s commitment to academic excellence has earned us several distinguished honors, achievements and recognitions.

  • According to Public School Review, Harrison School District is ranked #13 (in the top 5%) out of all 260 school districts in Arkansas based on combined math and reading proficiency scores.  The graduation rate is 8% higher than the state average.

  • The Middle School is recognized as a Top 5% performing school in the state.  All elementary schools and the middle school are Grade A schools, and the high school is a high B through the Public School Rating System

  • Class of 2023: Over $4 million of academic scholarships were awarded to 112 graduating seniors, 403 college courses were completed, and 1,246 college credit hours were earned

“I think the #1 thing we do well is that we have a great staff that really cares about and has great relationships with kids.  That’s what makes us successful.  We have a tremendous staff that cares about kids and builds great relationships with students, but we also strive for academic activities and athletic rigor to be our very best.” 

— Superintendent Dr. Stewart Pratt