2027–28 School Guide for the Counties Around Little Rock

A lot of school talk in Central Arkansas centers on Little Rock. But if you live in Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Sheridan, Pine Bluff, Perryville, or one of the towns in between, your calendar works a little differently.

Here's where things stand. As of late October, the districts we've checked in the counties around Pulaski haven't posted their 2027–28 registration dates yet. Last year, Cabot announced online kindergarten registration on March 6, 2026, and Benton held a kindergarten registration event April 15–16, 2026. So the dates are coming, just not yet.

In the meantime, plenty already applies to your family under current statewide rules. This guide covers it all, plus what you can get ready now. One caveat: the Arkansas legislature meets in January 2027, and rules can change. We'll update this post if they do, and we'll add district dates as they're announced.

School Districts Around Pulaski County

This guide covers the six counties that border Pulaski County. Not sure which district you're in? If you live near a district line, call the district office with your address to confirm.

Districts are listed alphabetically within each county.

Kindergarten in Fall 2027

Is my child old enough?

Your child needs to turn 5 on or before August 1, 2027, to start kindergarten in fall 2027. There are limited exceptions, such as for some children who already started kindergarten in another state, so ask your district if your child is close to the cutoff.

When does registration open?

The districts we've checked haven't posted 2027–28 kindergarten dates yet. Keep an eye on your district's website early in 2027. For reference, Cabot's 2026–27 kindergarten registration was online and by phone only, and Benton held a registration event.

What should I gather now?

Every district sets its own list, but these come up again and again:

• A birth certificate or other accepted proof of age. Some districts accept a passport or previous school records instead.
• A Social Security card, or you can ask the district for a state-assigned number instead.
• Immunization records that are up to date.
• Proof of address. Requirements vary. For 2025–26, Bryant asked for a current personal property assessment plus a utility bill, lease, or similar document.* (*Source: MySaline)
• A kindergarten physical. Some districts, including Cabot, ask for one, so book it early if yours does too.

Gathering these in the fall means registration day takes minutes, not a scramble.

Arkansas School Choice for 2027–28

Your zoned school isn't your only public option. Arkansas School Choice lets you apply for a different public school, either in your own district or in another one.

• When: January 1 through June 1, 2027. Military families can apply year-round.
• Where to send it: Transferring schools within your district? Send the application to your district. Transferring to another district? Send it to both your home district and the district you want.
• How fast you'll hear back: The district must answer in writing within 15 calendar days of getting your application.
• Can they say no? Only for a verified lack of space, meaning 95% or more of the seats in that grade are filled, or taking your child would go over class-size limits. A district may also consider a past expulsion.
• Getting there: Transportation for a transfer is often up to the family, so ask about busing before you apply.

The Arkansas School Choice application is available from your district and from the Arkansas Department of Education.

Student Athletes Changing Schools

If your child plays sports, timing matters. Under Act 475 of 2025, a student entering grades 7–10 at a new school must be enrolled there by June 1 to be eligible to play right away. Miss that date, and your child may not be eligible for varsity athletics for up to 365 days.

The rule applies whether your child is transferring to another public school, another district, or a private school. There's paperwork involved too, so check with the new school's athletic director before you commit.

Charter Schools Near You

Charter schools are free public schools with their own application and lottery. In these six counties:

• Friendship Aspire Academy (Pine Bluff): Has more than one campus in Pine Bluff. Check its site for 2027–28 enrollment details.
• Cabot Panther Academy (Cabot): A K–6 hybrid charter run by Cabot School District at Magness Creek Elementary. It opened in 2026–27, and its page listed School Choice applications for that year. Call (501) 743-3565 with questions.

Statewide virtual charter schools also enroll students from anywhere in Arkansas. Each runs its own application.

Private Schools Around Pulaski County

Private schools set their own admissions calendars. The ones we've checked so far haven't posted 2027–28 dates yet, so call or email the school directly and ask when applications open.

*Based on the Arkansas Department of Education's list of known private schools for 2025–26, which may be incomplete or out of date. Many microschools and homeschool co-ops aren't on it. Cabot Christian School moved to Jacksonville, in Pulaski County, for 2026–27. (*Source: KATV)

An Education Freedom Account (EFA) can help pay private school tuition at participating schools. It doesn't change a school's admissions timeline, though, so apply to the school and to the EFA separately.

Homeschooling in 2027–28

If you're homeschooling next year, file a Notice of Intent to Home School with your local district by August 15. You can file online through the Arkansas Department of Education or turn in a paper form at your district. Last year, filing for 2026–27 opened June 1, 2026.

Education Freedom Accounts for 2027–28

The 2027–28 EFA application dates haven't been announced yet. The 2026–27 window opened March 9, 2026. Under state rules, the window opens no earlier than February 1 and closes by June 1.

What You Can Do This Fall

1. Confirm your district, especially if you live near a district line.
2. Bookmark your district's website so you'll see 2027–28 registration as soon as it's posted.
3. Gather kindergarten documents, and book a physical if your district requires one.
4. Tour private schools now if you're considering one, and ask when 2027–28 applications open.
5. Put January 1 and June 1, 2027, on your calendar if a School Choice transfer is on the table.
6. Plan around June 1 if you have a 7th–10th grader who plays sports and might change schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does kindergarten registration open for 2027–28 in Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, and nearby towns?

The districts we've checked haven't posted 2027–28 dates yet. Last year, Cabot announced online kindergarten registration on March 6, 2026, and Benton held a registration event April 15–16, 2026. Check your district's website early in 2027.

How old does my child need to be for kindergarten in Arkansas in 2027?

Your child needs to turn 5 on or before August 1, 2027. A few limited exceptions exist, so ask your district if your child is close to the cutoff.

Can my child transfer to a school in another district?

Often, yes. Arkansas School Choice lets you apply January 1 through June 1, 2027. A district can deny a transfer only for lack of space, though it may also consider a past expulsion.

How long does a district have to answer a School Choice application?

The district must answer in writing within 15 calendar days of receiving it.

Will my child lose sports eligibility after changing schools?

Not if they're enrolled at the new school by June 1. Under Act 475 of 2025, students entering grades 7–10 who enroll after June 1 may not be eligible for varsity athletics for up to 365 days.

When is the Arkansas homeschool Notice of Intent due?

By August 15 each year, filed with your local school district. Filing for 2026–27 opened June 1, 2026.

We'll Keep This Updated

We're checking every district, charter, and private school in Faulkner, Saline, Lonoke, Jefferson, Grant, and Perry counties, and we'll add 2027–28 dates here as they're announced. Follow @eduscout.app on Instagram so you don't miss yours.

Want the bigger picture? Our guide to the five kinds of schools in Central Arkansas explains how each option works.

Checked October 26–27, 2026, from school district and school websites, the Arkansas Department of Education, and Act 475 of 2025. Items from other sources are marked with an asterisk. Rules can change during the 2027 legislative session, so please confirm with your district or school before you apply.