ASMSA opens Fall 2026 admissions cycle for residential program

HOT SPRINGS — The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts has opened the application process for its residential program for current freshmen and sophomores in the Classes of 2028 and 2029.

ASMSA is a public high school serving academically and artistically motivated students from all backgrounds from throughout the state of Arkansas. About 250 students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades attend classes and live on the Hot Springs campus in a residential community of learning unlike any other in the state.

“Our experienced and highly credentialed faculty coupled with a well-trained and innovative Student Life staff provide both the resources and support needed to prepare all students for success,” said Jason Hudnell, director of admissions and talent development. “Our commitment to STEM education is complemented by a thriving arts, humanities and music program that opens even more opportunities for students to thrive in our community of learning.”

The school was recently named the top public high school in Arkansas for the fourth straight year and No. 55 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 in the state.

ASMSA offers a broad range of courses that are all taught at the college level, including about 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.

Enrollment is tuition-free, and housing, meals and books are provided to all students at no cost from the state.

“ASMSA empowers families of high-achieving as well as aspirational and motivated students from all across Arkansas to choose a high school that best meets the needs of their students no matter their ZIP code or income status,” Hudnell said.

Students apply to ASMSA through a competitive admissions process that evaluates high school coursework, ACT/SAT/CLT 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 to selective colleges and universities.

The rigorous application 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 no later than March 1, 2026. To learn more about ASMSA’s application process and the requirements for admission, visit asmsa.org/thrive, email admissions@asmsa.org or call/text 501.622.5235.

ASMSA also offers families a separate online program independent of the residential experience. The ASMSA Online Academy offers students an opportunity to complete a thoughtfully curated sequence of AP courses over two years, generally as high school juniors and seniors although younger students who demonstrate academic readiness may apply. The application period for the ASMSA Online Academy will open in January 2026.

The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is one of 17 public residential high schools in the country specializing in the education of academically gifted students with a STEM focus. Located in historic downtown Hot Springs, the school is the early college campus of the University of Arkansas System. For more information about ASMSA, visit asmsa.org or call 501.622.5100.