The Arkansas Department of Education has announced the 2026 Arkansas Gem Schools, recognizing 167 public and public charter schools for strong academic achievement, notable student growth, and steady improvement over multiple years. The program, which serves as the state’s Rewards and Recognition initiative, will distribute nearly $7 million to schools that rank among the highest performers statewide.
The Gem Schools program highlights campuses that show exceptional results in core academic areas and demonstrate consistent progress. Designations are based on data from the state’s assessment and accountability system, which measures how well students perform, how much they grow academically from year to year, and whether schools are improving across multiple indicators. The program aims to acknowledge schools that are helping students succeed and to spotlight educators and leaders who are contributing to those gains.
This year’s funding will go to schools that place in the top 10 percent statewide for overall achievement and overall student growth. State officials emphasized that strong academic outcomes typically reflect sustained effort from teachers, school leaders, families, and students. They noted that the schools recognized through the Gem program are helping set a high bar for academic performance across Arkansas.
A total of 167 schools earned at least one Gem designation. Schools may receive recognition in several categories:
- Achievement of All — awarded to schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide within their grade span on the overall achievement indicator. These schools may receive up to $100 per student.
- Growth of All — awarded to schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide within their grade span on the overall growth indicator. These schools may also receive up to $100 per student.
- Achievement by Content Area — recognition for schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide in English language arts, mathematics, or science achievement.
- Growth by Content Area — recognition for schools ranking in the top 10 percent statewide in growth in English language arts, mathematics, or science.
- Sustained Improvement — recognition for schools that show increases in multiple indicators for three consecutive years.
Schools receiving financial awards may use the funds for staff bonuses, instructional materials, educational equipment, or temporary personnel who support continued academic improvement. Local committees made up of school leaders, teachers, and parents will decide how the funds are used to best support students.
The Arkansas Department of Education describes the Gem Schools program as part of a broader effort to encourage continuous improvement and highlight schools that are helping students reach higher levels of achievement. Officials say the program is intended to reinforce the importance of strong instruction, effective school leadership, and community support.
The full list of 2026 Gem Schools and award amounts is available on the Arkansas Gem Schools webpage. Families and community members can review which schools earned recognition and explore how the designations reflect statewide academic trends.
