The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts has opened its search for the Classes of 2026 and 2027.
ASMSA is a public residential high school serving academically and artistically motivated students of all backgrounds from throughout the state of Arkansas. More than 250 students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades attend classes and live on the Hot Springs campus in a community of learning unlike any other in the state.
The school was recently named the top public high school in Arkansas and among the top 50 in the nation by Niche.com, a website that provides in-depth profiles on thousands of colleges, school districts and individual K-12 schools across the nation. ASMSA was also named the best public high school for college prep as well as STEM education in the state.
“ASMSA provides an opportunity for families of high-achieving students all across Arkansas to choose a high school that best meets the needs of their student,” said Jason Hudnell, director of admissions. “Our experienced and highly credentialed faculty coupled with a well-trained and innovative Student Life staff provide the resources and support needed to prepare all students for success. We are excited to open a new admissions cycle.”
ASMSA is an early college environment that combines the academic rigor, real-world research, creative opportunities as well as study abroad experiences of college with the supervision, safety, support systems and structure of high school.
All classes are taught on a college level, and the school offers 70 courses for college credit. Most students earn an average of 50 hours of college credit by the time they graduate with all students earning at least 30 hours — or a full year of credit. Since the inception of the school’s Global Learning Program, about 500 students have studied abroad.
“For more than three decades, ASMSA has helped lead the way for important discussions on school choice. Through the state’s support for the residential experience, students have access to world-class opportunities regardless of their ZIP code or family income,” Hudnell said.
Students apply to ASMSA through a competitive admissions process that evaluates high school coursework, ACT/SAT scores, responses to essay questions, recommendation forms and other accomplishments. Finalist candidates are invited to attend Interview Weekends in April. The process is similar to application at selective colleges and universities.
The rigorous applications process assists ASMSA in identifying for admission well-rounded young Arkansans who possess a strong sense of character, actively contribute to their communities and seek out the most challenging coursework available to them.
Students must submit their completed application packet no later than March 1, 2024. To learn more about ASMSA’s application process and the requirements for admission, visit asmsa.org/admissions, email admissions@asmsa.org or call or text 501.622.5235.