The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is one of seventeen public, residential high schools in the country specializing in the education of talented and motivated students who have an interest and aptitude for mathematics and science as well as a passion for creativity, humanities, and the arts.

ASMSA is unique in its mission and service to education in Arkansas. Created in 1991 by an act of the General Assembly, we have the distinction of being one of the nation’s top secondary schools for superior students. The Washington Post, Newsweek, and The Daily Beast have ranked ASMSA among the "Top 25" public high schools in America.

ASMSA instructors hold masters degrees and nearly half have a doctorate or other terminal degree in their discipline. Our more than 2,400 graduates have been awarded almost $300 million in college scholarships. While approximately two-thirds of our graduates continue their studies at Arkansas institutions of higher education, our alumni have been accepted to schools ranging from Harvard to Stanford to the Air Force Academy.

Application is open to any talented and motivated high school student who resides in the state of Arkansas, with applications typically made during the sophomore year. Since the school opened in 1993, a student from every Arkansas county has attended ASMSA.

ASMSA is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS). The goal of the consortium is to foster, support, and advance the efforts of specialized schools whose primary purpose is to attract and academically prepare students for leadership in mathematics, science, and technology.

ASMSA is also a founding member of the Coalition of Leaders for Advanced Student Success (CLASS). CLASS is working to ensure the nation’s best and brightest students, regardless of income, have the skills and knowledge to succeed in school and the workforce. One-in-three ASMSA students come from low-income backgrounds—the highest percentage of any of ASMSA's peers.

 

Board of Visitors

The ASMSA Board of Visitors serves in a supporting and advising role with regard to operation of the school. Board members are appointed by the governor and serve a term of seven years. Campus policy is set by the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees.

Current members

Timothy Barnes, Chair

Dr. Marlene Battle ('97), Vice Chair

Brian Reed, Secretary

Gary Dowdy

Fletcher T. West

Mary Zunick

Mary Alice Chambers

 

Ex-Officio Representatives

Arkansas Economic Development Commission – Jennifer Fowler (Class of 2004), NSF-EPSCOR

Arkansas Division of Higher Education – (Vacant), Director

Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education – Dr. Krystal Nail, appointee for Secretary Jacob Oliva

Department of Arkansas Heritage – Patrick Ralston, Executive Director of the Arkansas Arts Council

Student Government Association – Talana Small (Class of 2023)

Parents Advisory Council Chair - Dr. Kyle Day (2023 Parent)

Faculty and Staff Governing Council Chair - Dr. Tom Dempster

Association for Alumni and Friends - Amy Stvartak (Class of 2011)

ASMSA Foundation Fund Board of Ambassadors - Tricia Curreri

 

2023-24 Meetings

Oct. 2, 2023 | Dec. 11, 2023 | March 2, 2024 | May 6, 2024 | All meetings set for 5 p.m.

Meeting Minutes

2006

Scroll to top