APSRC Celebrates Back-to-School in Arkansas
As August rolls in, Arkansas students are heading back to school and gearing up for a great academic year. From Little Rock to Fayetteville, classrooms are buzzing with anticipation, and parents are checking off their back-to-school lists with precision.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into their senior year, the back-to-school season in Arkansas is more than just a calendar date—it’s a chance to reset, reconnect, and reimagine what learning can look like.
The Arkansas Public School Resource Center extends its sincere best wishes to all students across the state as they begin a new academic year.
Check Out Our Back-to-School Video for 2025!
APSRC extends its sincere appreciation to the following schools for their participation in our Back-to-School 2025 Campaign. Your photo submissions captured the energy and excitement of a new academic year and helped showcase the strength of Arkansas’s educational community.
Keep reading to hear what some of the participating schools had to say about the start of this school year and how they’re kicking off 2025 with purpose and pride!
Robinson Middle School
“This year, we’re taking learning to the next level! Get ready for a year full of growth, challenges, and rewards. From video game and zen relaxation days to leader boards and grade-level challenges, we’re building momentum and recognizing student success every step of the way.
It’s time to press start on your learning journey — Level Up, Robinson! Challenge accepted. Game on!”
- Paris Tatum, Robinson Middle School
Manilla High School
“Best part of our Bell-to-Bell, No-Cell policy? We’re bringing back the classics, like a good old-fashioned tug-of-war showdown! These 9th–12th grade students had a blast, even in the heat, proving that teamwork and friendly competition never go out of style.”
- Paris Tatum, Robinson Middle School
Exalt Academy
“From our kindergartners discovering the joy of play, to high school Eagles diving into learning at the brand-new Exalt High School, to our Marine JROTC cadets proudly stepping into uniform for the first time—Exalt students are soaring at every level.”
- Lindsey Cosio, Exalt Academy
Academy of Math and Science, Little Rock
“AMS Little Rock has had a fabulous start to our school year!”
- Caylee Migliorini, AMS Impact Group
LISA Academy
“The first day of school is always special, and this year was no exception. On August 12, LISA Academy welcomed over 4,500 students across 13 schools in Northwest and Central Arkansas, ready to kick off another exciting year of STEM-C-focused, college-prep learning. From the moment the first bell rang, classrooms were bustling with teamwork, creativity, and hands-on projects.
One of the biggest highlights? Opening the doors to our newest building, LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville Middle-High School, and greeting the very first 6th-10th grade classes to the building. These students aren’t just starting a school year; they’re making history on our newest campus.
LISA Academy North Middle-High had a great morning with Whitney Thomas from KARK4 and FOX16 News! She joined us to capture all the first-day excitement, chatting with one of our families, visiting with school admin and staff, cheering with our cheer squad, meeting a few members of our rocketry team fresh off a trip to nationals, and even stepping into a biomedical class.
Across the district, hallways were filled with excitement as students met their teachers, connected with their peers, and dove into advanced academics and extracurriculars. Our teachers and staff are ready to guide, inspire, and cheer on every single scholar, ensuring they have the safe, encouraging environment they need to thrive.
At LISA Academy, we’re all about Learning, Innovation, Support, and Achievement, and we can’t wait to see the growth, experiences, and accomplishments that are about to unfold.”
- Magnolia Risley, LISA Academy District Office
Piggott School District
“Here are some photos of our back-to-school backpack bash and playground party. We have several community partners that came out to support our event sponsored by the High School FBLA chapter!”
- Freddie Bowen, Piggott Public Schools
Riverview School District
“Riverview School District reorganized its elementary campuses for the 2025-2026 school year. Riverview is transitioning from having two K-6 grade campuses to now having: Riverview Primary School at Kensett that serves PK-2nd grade students and Riverview Intermediate School at Judsonia that serves 3-6 grade students. We have had a great first week back and are excited about having all our students together by grade levels.”
- Susan Blockburger, Riverview School District
Fort Smith School District
“Our students are so excited to be back and celebrating the 150th anniversary of our district with our incredible staff.”
- Addie Reith, Fort Smith Public Schools
Ozark Mountain School District
Some 8th-grade girls practice their volleyball form in Coach Hudson's PE class.
A group of new 4th graders are enjoying their first day in art class.
Coaches Kelsey Hudson, Elvis Middleton, and Miranda Gilmore take a moment for a back-to-school picture.
Officer Gary Waters explains some CPR basics to a group of high school students.
Seniors Tate Dixon and Ross Grinder smile for their last first day of school photo at OMHS.
International Studies Magnet School
“International Studies Magnet School in Jonesboro, AR, kicked off the new school year with excitement and energy! House Captains were revealed in surprise home visits, followed by our annual Sorting Ceremony. Our school proudly participates in the Ron Clark Academy House System, where each student is sorted into one of six houses and remains in that house throughout their time here (1st–6th grade). The House System fosters a strong sense of community and belonging — we are six houses, but one family.”
- Mrs. Paige Vick, International Studies Magnet Elementary School
School for Advanced Studies Northwest Arkansas
“📸 Picture perfect start to the school year! Back-to-School Week at School for Advanced Studies Northwest Arkansas was full of energy, joy, and possibility. At SAS NWA, we believe every year is a canvas for discovery. Through seminar-style classes, civil discourse, and authentic creative projects, students in grades 5-12 are building the habits of curiosity and achievement that will shape portraits of success for years to come. 👉 Learn more at schoolsforadvancedstudies.org.”
- Sean Amir, BASIS Ed
Wynne School District
We kicked off the year with Culture Week, keeping students active, engaged, and ready to take on a fantastic school year — all while embracing the new No Cell Bell to Bell law. Each day spotlighted one of our Core Beliefs: Tuesday’s Be the Best set clear expectations, rules, and procedures for success; Wednesday’s Jacket PRIDE built school spirit and celebrated what it means to be a Yellowjacket; and Thursday’s Commitment to Excellence focused on academic success, student safety, and giving your best in every area. The week culminated Friday with Community (We Are Family Theme) — welcoming our partners to see the impact of their work on our Graduate Profile, connecting students with clubs and organizations, exploring life skills, and topping it all off with delicious treats from the food trucks. WHS is proving you can not only survive — but thrive — without cell phones. Here’s to an amazing year ahead!
- Dusty Meek, Wynne School District