The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts is a public, residential high school for talented and highly motivated students who have an interest and aptitude for mathematics and science as well as a passion for creativity and the arts.

In order to graduate from ASMSA, students must complete a program of study at least two years in length that exceeds the state SMART Core requirements and includes numerous college-level classes. There are four pathways for students to apply through a selective review process in order to enroll at ASMSA.

All Applicants

All students seeking to apply for admission to ASMSA must:

  • be a resident of the State of Arkansas;
  • demonstrate high motivation and academic achievement that warrant more challenging and diversified curricula as they continue their high school experience;
  • submit standardized achievement/assessment test scores, with preference to exams taken during the year of application. At least one of these must be either the ACT or SAT. The writing portion of the exam is not required.
  • demonstrate clear evidence of strong aptitude and interest in mathematics, science, humanities, or art;
  • submit required essays and other biographic information;
  • be noted for their intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and imagination through letters of recommendation through three (3) letters of recommendation— one (1) from a high school English teacher, one (1) from a mathematics teacher, and one (1) from a science teacher who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability, capacity for growth, and personal integrity; and
  • conduct an interview on campus if advanced to semifinalist status.

2-Year Programs of Study

Standard Admission

(Sophomore Application for Junior Year)

Students seeking to apply for admission during their sophomore year to enroll as a junior must:

  • have completed Algebra I and Geometry prior to enrollment at ASMSA;
  • submit qualifying standardized achievement/assessment test scores
    To meet minimum requirements, applicants must score a 19 or higher Composite ACT score or SAT equivalent as well as a minimum 19 subscore on the English, Math, and Reading, sections of the ACT; and
  • earn a minimum unweighted GPA requirement of 3.25;

Super Junior

(Junior Application for Two Additional Years of High School)

Families will sometimes conclude that a student may not be ready to live away from home as a junior but would benefit from the College Bridge experience offered through ASMSA by extending their high school experience. ASMSA considers a limited number of applications for “Super Junior” status in which the student complete a two-year program of study ASMSA, thereby extending the high school experience one additional year.

Students seeking to apply for admission during their junior year to enroll for two years must:

  • have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II prior to enrollment at ASMSA;
  • submit qualifying standardized achievement/assessment test scores
    To meet minimum requirements, applicants must score a 25 or higher Composite ACT score or SAT equivalent as well as a minimum 23 subscore on the English, Math, and Reading sections of the ACT; and
  • earn a minimum unweighted GPA requirement of 3.5.

3-Year Programs of Study

Early Entrance

(Freshman Application for Sophomore Year)

ASMSA reserves the right to consider applications from profoundly gifted high school freshmen to complete a three-year experience in residence at ASMSA.

Students seeking to apply for admission during their freshman year to enroll as a sophomore must:

  • have completed Algebra I and Geometry prior to enrollment at ASMSA;
  • submit qualifying standardized achievement/assessment test scores
    To meet minimum requirements, applicants must score a 27 or higher Composite ACT score or SAT equivalent as well as a minimum 24 subscore on the English, Math, and Reading sections of the ACT; and
  • earn a minimum unweighted GPA requirement of 3.75.

H.E.L.I.X. Prep Academy

(Freshman Application for Sophomore Year)

H.E.L.I.X. (Helping Elevate Low-Income Students to Excellence) Prep Academy prepares low-to-middle income and rural students who experience opportunity gaps for the rigors of ASMSA’s early college program. The sophomore year serves as a transitional year during which students take advanced high school level coursework and participate in mentoring to better prepare for and excel in their junior year and beyond.

Students seeking to apply for admission during their freshman year to enroll as a sophomore must:

  • have a household income typically of $65,000 or less per year; exceptions are made for families earning more but who still qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch programs based on income (not district waiver);
  • have completed Algebra I prior to enrollment at ASMSA;
  • submit qualifying standardized achievement/assessment test scores
    To meet minimum requirements, applicants must score a 19 or higher Composite ACT score or SAT equivalent as well as a minimum 19 subscore on the English, Math, and Reading sections of the ACT; and
  • earn a minimum unweighted GPA requirement of 3.5.

"A Competitive ASMSA Candidate"

  • Applies well before the March 1st deadline;
  • Exhibits maturity, independence, and self motivation
  • Submits competitive grade point average and competitive ACT (~26 composite) or SAT (1240) scores;
  • Has taken the most demanding courses offered at their sending school;
  • Submits coherent, well-written essays; and
  • Retains copies of all documents in case there is an issue with submission of the application and supporting materials.

Cost to Attend ASMSA

ASMSA is a state-funded educational program. The annual combined residential and concurrent credit assessment is approximately $850. Financial assistance through ASMSA's "upwARd Promise" program is available for all students who qualify under federal School Meal (Free and Reduced Lunch) guidelines. High school tuition, textbooks, housing, and meals are covered under ASMSA's state funding. Personal items, travel, and phone expenses are the family’s responsibility.

The following yearly assessments are :

  • $110 - Student Activity Assessment
  • $30 - Room Assessment
  • $45 - Electricity Assessment
  • $25 - Technology Assessment
  • $25 - SGA Extracurricular Fund Assessment
  • $50 - Research and Capstone Support Assessment
  • $40 - Laundry (Laundry facilities are available on each wing. Students may use them as often as needed.)
  • $25 - Parents Association Dues
  • $250 - Fall Semester Concurrent Credit Assessment
  • $250 - Spring Semester Concurrent Credit Assessment
    TOTAL ASSESSMENT: $850 for each academic year.

Residential assessments are due no later than June 15 the summer prior to enrollment.
Fall semester concurrent credit assessments are due by September 1.
Spring semester concurrent credit assessments are due by February 1.
All assessments are nonrefundable in the event a student withdraws from ASMSA.

ASMSA Preview Weekend

Visit ASMSA

Be a researcher. Be an artist. Be a scholar. Learn how ASMSA can help you become remarkable.

The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts invites you to Schedule a Tour, participate in one of our many Admissions and Outreach Programs, or attend an Online Session to learn how you can attend one of the nation's top high schools.

As a high school sophomore or junior, you can join a community of peers from all over Arkansas who are dreamers, thinkers and doers at the state's premier public high school.

Engage in courses designed to challenge bright minds. Travel to international destinations and explore other cultures. Grow as a student while earning more than a year of college credit.

Be a researcher. Be an artist. Be a scholar.

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