Education

The Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting education at every level by actively partnering with and advocating for all educational institutions in our region. With six school districts serving our county, the Chamber works closely with K–12 schools, higher education, and workforce training providers to strengthen career pathways, promote workforce readiness, and connect students with local employers. By investing in education and fostering strong collaboration between schools and the business community, the Chamber helps ensure a skilled workforce and a strong future for the Harrison area.

Our Schools

  • Harrison School District

  • Alpena School District

  • Bergman School District

  • Lead Hill School District

  • Omaha School District

  • Valley Springs School District

  • North Arkansas College

Acknowledging Excellence: Honors and Recognition

Boone County’s commitment to academic excellence has earned our schools several distinguished honors, achievements and recognitions.

  • Alpena High school was recognized under the Arkansas school Recognition program for being in the top 6-10% of all public schools in Arkansas in both student graduation rates and student academic growth.

  • 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.

  • Bergman Elementary School has been recognized for being in the top 5% of public schools that achieved high student performance on the state required assessments in grades 3 through 10.

  • Omaha Archery participated in a 3D Archery shoot at Glen Rose. The Middle School and High School placed 2nd in the tournament.

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.

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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.

“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

Ozark Unlimited Resources Cooperative:

Building Educational Bridges

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). The general mission of all Educational Service Cooperatives, including the O.U.R. Co-op, is set by the Arkansas State Legislature Act 349 of 1985, Section 2, which stipulates the responsibility to meet or exceed accreditation standards and equalize educational opportunities, use educational resources more effectively through co-operation among school districts, and promote co-ordination between school districts and the Department of Education in order to provide services which are consistent with the needs identified by local school districts and the educational priorities of the State as established by the General Assembly or the State Board of Education. The operational mission of the O.U.R Cooperative states that the organization is to respond to the diversity of needs and opportunities in our constituency by continuously enhancing and expanding the quality of programs and services, promoting and providing high expectations for positive leadership to effect desired change, and fostering public and private sector educational partnerships.

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Mission Statement: Building educational bridges through professionalism, collaborative relationships, and responsive service.

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).

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 

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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!

Quote Pending

— President Dr. Rick Massengale

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