Education
C
Academic Excellence
onway offers a variety of educational opportunities to suit any need. Its public school system offers one of the best kindergarten through 12th grade public educations in the state. For those who want their children to receive religious instruction along with their elementary or secondary education, the city offers two private schools that are affiliated with churches. Nearly 15,000 students attend Conway’s three institutions of higher learning, two of which are affiliated with churches.
Conway Public Schools With over 9,000 students, Conway Public School District is the eighth-largest school district in Arkansas. The district has 15 schools, including one high school on two campuses, two middle schools, two intermediate schools, nine elementary schools, and a preschool program. 32
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
Recent district accomplishments include: • In 2009, a CHS student scored a perfect 36 on the ACT, and CHS had five National Merit finalists. • The district exceeded the state average in all benchmark tests, and its ACT composite score of 21.7 was far above the state average and nationally competitive. • An EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) Campus has recently been opened and provides a technology-rich environment for students. • Conway was one of 18 districts in Arkansas to receive an A rating from the Arkansas Policy Foundation, based on the district’s standardized test scores. Conway was the highest rated 7A district in the state and was rated fifth overall.
• The district recently opened a new elementary school in west Conway. • On the East CHS campus, which houses the ninth and tenth grades, the original high school building, constructed in 1937, was renovated and additional classrooms were constructed. • A 10-year plan is being developed to look long-range at facility, curriculum, and staff needs. • The district boasts 17 National Board Certified Teachers who have on their own time completed the rigorous process necessary to qualify for certification by this independent organization. • The Conway Area Career Center serves Conway and 13 other school districts, offering classes and apprenticeships in a variety of vocational skills.