Education Policy
Arkansas Education Policy 2026
K-12 rankings, teacher salaries, school choice, curriculum battles, and how education shapes the 2026 political landscape in Arkansas.
#44
K-12 National Rank
#49
Teacher Salary Rank
89%
Graduation Rate
Choice: Yes
School Choice Program
Key Education Policies
| School Choice (Vouchers/ESAs) | Yes |
| Curriculum Restrictions (CRT/Gender) | Yes |
| Graduation Rate | 89% |
| Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Stance | Opposed |
Education System Overview
Arkansas has expanded school choice options and restricted curriculum on race and gender topics. Teacher salaries are among the lowest nationally. The state has made investment in early childhood education a priority under Gov. Sanders.
2026 Political Impact
Gov. Sarah Sanders has made education a signature issue, including a cell phone ban in schools and reading instruction reform. Arkansas is safely Republican and school choice has strong political support.