- HOLLY HARSHMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 2.4 mi · Grades 3–5 · 438 students
- MENA HIGH SCHOOL — 2.5 mi · Grades 9–12 · 503 students
- MENA MIDDLE SCHOOL — 2.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 393 students
- POLK COUNTY VIRTUAL ACADEMY — 2.5 mi · Grades 1–12 · 12 students
- LOUISE DURHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 2.9 mi · Grades K–2 · 357 students
| Metric | Mena Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,745 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,556/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 23% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mena Public Schools (this district) | 9/10 | 83rd | 1,745 |
| Waldron School District | 4/10 | 31st | 1,576 |
| Cossatot River School District | 6/10 | 58th | 861 |
| Ouachita River School District | 5/10 | 45th | 799 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 218 rated districts in AR → 83rd percentile → 9/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Mena Public Schools
Zip code 71953 in Mena, Arkansas is served by Mena Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Mena Public Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
With a rating of 9/10 (top-tier), Mena Public Schools ranks among Arkansas’s top-tier-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Arkansas is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Mena Public Schools ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Arkansas on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 71953 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 71953
Children in zip code 71953 are assigned to Mena Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 71953, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Mena Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Arkansas districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Mena
For families considering a purchase in the Mena area, district assignment matters financially. Because Mena Public Schools serves zip code 71953, homes in and around zip code 71953 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Arkansas, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Mena Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 71953.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Mena Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 71953 data.