Melbourne School District is a small rural public school district located in Melbourne, Izard County, Arkansas, serving the local community with approximately 880 students across Pre-K through Grade 12. The district operates two schools — an elementary school and a combined junior/senior high school — at the district’s address of 65 Bearkat Drive, Melbourne, AR 72556.
Known as the “Melbourne Bearkatz”, the district has a strong reputation for school spirit and community involvement. Located in a small rural town, the district prides itself on personal relationships between staff and students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 13:1 and 97% of teachers holding certification.
Coach Eric Teague was recognised as the 2021-2022 All Arkansas Preps Overall Coach of the Year and a 2x Girls Basketball Coach of the Year — reflecting the district’s competitive sporting tradition despite its small size.
Academic Profile
- Total enrollment: Approximately 880 students (54% male, 46% female)
- Demographic makeup: Approximately 94% White, with a small percentage of Black and Asian students
- AP enrollment: Approximately 34 students enrolled in Advanced Placement programmes
- College testing: Approximately 44 students participate in SAT/ACT programmes annually
- Free/Reduced lunch programme: Available through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; applications are available at bearkatz.k12.ar.us
Summer Learning and Community Programmes
Melbourne School District received a $32,000 grant from the ARP ESSER III Summer Learning Program to provide Summer Enrichment to eligible Bearkatz in various grade levels — a meaningful investment in continued learning beyond the standard school year.
The district also participates in the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) for interscholastic sports, including the girls’ and boys’ softball and baseball programmes that compete in the 3A-2 Regional conferences.
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 65 Bearkat Drive, Melbourne, AR 72556, USA |
| Main Phone | (870) 368-7070 |
| Secondary Phone | (870) 368-7071 |
| Website | bearkatz.k12.ar.us |
Melbourne School District Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates
Melbourne Public School District publishes its annual academic calendar as a downloadable PDF on the district website. Exact 2026-2027 term dates, including the first day of school, holiday breaks, and last day of school, can be found at bearkatz.k12.ar.us/documents/state-required-information/school-calendar/
As a general Arkansas reference framework, districts typically follow a schedule beginning in mid-August and concluding in late May, with major breaks including:
- Labor Day — Monday, 7 September 2026 (school closed)
- Thanksgiving Break — late November 2026 (typically the full week of Thanksgiving)
- Winter Break — mid-December 2026 through early January 2027
- Spring Break — typically mid-March 2027
- Memorial Day — Monday, 31 May 2027 (school closed)
For precise 2026-2027 dates specific to Melbourne Public School District, always refer to the official calendar at bearkatz.k12.ar.us, as rural Arkansas districts set their own approved calendars independently.
Last verified: 10 July 2026. Official source: Melbourne Public School District — School Calendar and bearkatz.k12.ar.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the Melbourne school in Australia or the USA?
This post covers the Melbourne Public School District in Melbourne, Arkansas, USA. For information about schools in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, please see the Melbourne School District Calendar section on this site.
How large is the Melbourne Public School District?
Approximately 880 students across Pre-K through Grade 12 in two schools, with about 66 full-time equivalent teachers.
Who do I contact for enrollment or general queries?
Contact the district at (870) 368-7070 or visit bearkatz.k12.ar.us.
Related USA School Calendars
- Columbus City Schools Calendar (Ohio)
- Olentangy Local School District Calendar (Ohio)
- Pitt County Schools Calendar (North Carolina)