Niche ranks Lakeside No. 1 district in GC, No. 4 in state
In its 2024 rankings, Niche, an online platform that provides profiles on every school in America, ranked Lakeside School District as the number one school district in Garland County, and number four in the state.
Out of 244 schools statewide, the district was also ranked number one in best places to teach in Arkansas, and number five in districts with the best teachers.
Countywide, the district was ranked number one in districts with the best teachers, and number one in best districts for athletes. It ranked number two behind Hot Springs School District for most diverse school district in the county.
Nationwide, Lakeside ranked among the top 3.6% of school districts.
“The Niche results are a testament to the collective strength of our students, dedicated staff, and the vibrant community that supports us,” Lakeside Superintendent Bruce Orr said Friday. “We are better together, and these national rankings reflect the outstanding collaboration and commitment of everyone involved.”
Orr said the district’s success extends beyond its numbers, also reflecting its “passion, talent, and unity” that define Lakeside.
“We celebrate not just the accolades but the shared spirit that makes our educational journey exceptional,” he said. “Thank you to our incredible students, committed educators, and supportive community for making this achievement possible. Together, we continue to inspire, learn, and grow, creating an environment where excellence is not just a goal but a way of life.”
Trailing Lakeside in best school districts in Garland County was Lake Hamilton School District at No. 2 and Jessieville School District at No. 3.
In best school districts in
Arkansas, Lakeside trailed behind No. 3 Greenwood School District, No. 2 Bentonville Public Schools, and No. 1 Haas Hall Academy.
According to Niche, the 2024 Best School Districts ranking is based on “rigorous” analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, and public school district ratings. According to Niche’s website, SAT and ACT scores have been removed from this year’s rankings to reflect a “general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process.”
With an enrollment of roughly 3,430 students, Lakeside’s overall Niche grade is an A, with an A in academics, A-plus in teachers, A-plus in clubs and activities, A in sports, A in resources and activities, B-plus in diversity, A-minus in college prep, A in administration, and A-plus in food.
On the national scale, Lakeside ranked No. 393 of 10,932 schools for best school districts, No. 612 of 11,466 for districts with the best teachers, No. 695 of 11,822 for best places to teach, and No. 887 of 10,346 for best school districts for athletes.