Benton Chamber Directory

LEARNING & GROWING
Saline County
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
BAUXITE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Established in 1902
4A classification
District is made up of
1 elementary, 1 middle
school, 1 9 th grade
academy and 1 high school
Covers 87 square miles
Bauxite Schools, home of the
Bauxite Miners, is a 4A district in Saline County with
an enrollment of 1700 students. Bauxite is located
between the larger districts of Benton and Bryant and is
often called the best kept secret in Saline County. The
school district, encompassing 87 square miles, began in
1902, and this is the district’s 100th season of football
and basketball. The town is named for the source ore
for aluminum: Bauxite. When aluminum was being
heavily mined during World War II, the town was
the largest town in Saline County and contained a
movie theatre and a hospital, as well as ALCOA.
About one third of Bauxite’s students school
choice to Bauxite from other districts. Bauxite
offers all of the extra-curricular opportunities of
larger districts, including band, baseball, basketball,
bowling, cheer, choir, cross country, dance, drama,
FBLA, fishing, football, golf, NHS, quiz bowl,
softball, swimming, soccer, student council,
track, volleyball, wrestling, and yearbook.
Bauxite graduates are known for their success after
graduation. A well-known Bauxite graduate,Leon
“Muscles” Campbell was a football player who
went on to play for the University of Arkansas
and for three different teams in the NFL. Bauxite’s
mascot is named “Muscles” in his honor. Another
Bauxite graduate is George Cole, who went on to
become the Athletic Director at the University of
Arkansas. Cole Field at Baum Stadium is named after
him. Bauxite graduate Susan Dunn is a Grammy
award winning opera singer. Bauxite graduate
Robert Utley is an author and historian who has
written sixteen books on the American West.
Bauxite’s schools are growing in academic reputation.
In 2019, middle school reading scores were the highest
in the county and in the entire Dawson Co-op area.
Bauxite is also recognized as a very technologically
innovative district, with a device for every student in
grades 2-12. Bauxite is also the only Google
Reference District in Central or South
Arkansas. In 2019, APSRC named Bauxite as the
most financially efficient district in the state.
Bauxite is the place to be! Go Miners!
BENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Established in 1885
6A Classification
District is made up of 4 elementary schools,
1 middle school, 1 junior high school,
1 9 th grade academy and 1 high school
Purchased 80 acres in 2019 at Exit
114 to be used for expansion
Growing district boasting an enrollment
increase of 547 students within five years
Recognized by Niche’ as “Best School District in the Little Rock Area”
for 3 years, as well as one of the top school districts in Arkansas.
Elementary schools K-4;
Caldwell – Letter Grade B, Capturing Kids Hearts showcase school
Angie Grant – One of only 10 schools to receive the Rise award
from Arkansas Department of Education, A Leader in Me School
Howard Perrin – Letter Grade A, top 10% on state test
scores, Capturing Kids Hearts showcase school
Ringgold Elementary – Letter Grade B, nominated
for Capturing Kids Hearts showcase school
Benton Middle School includes 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students.
They received a letter Grade A. - Recently, BMS started a Robotics
club and also initiated a peer-tutoring program in 7th grade.
Benton Jr. High includes 8th and 9th grade students. They received a
letter grade A. – BJH continues to grow in student opportunity. Recently
the EAST program began and is showing just how productive students
can become within our community. Eighth and Ninth grade students
also have the option of LROTC and JROTC for students interested in
military service. The new 9th grade Academy opened in January 2021.
Benton High School includes 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
They received a letter grade A. – BHS had a graduation rate of 95%
and over $8 million dollars of scholarships for 2019 seniors. Students
have the opportunity to choose from 18 Advanced Placement Courses
and 8 Concurrent Credit Courses. The Panthers’ Pride is our award
winning band, choir, art, and athletic teams and JROTC.
Each school has something special waiting for its students.
We are committed to maintaining high expectations of
each student and supplying the best facilities and tools
to ensure each student is successful. In the past year we
completed additions to BHS Band facility, added classes
and workshops at BJH, enlarged and updated kitchens
and cafeterias, constructed a new baseball field and indoor
facility at our Athletic Complex and a new 9th grade
addition. The district has also purchased 80 acres
at Exit 114 adjacent to the future Saline County
CTE Center. Benton School District is committed
to being progressive and continuing to
prepare students for their best future.
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2021 Membership Directory & Resource Guide