Academics

What we believe

At Cutter Morning Star, learning is about more than academics —

it is about belonging.

Our approach

Strong academics in a school that still feels personal.

Cutter Morning Star serves 591 students across PK–12 on two buildings in Hot Springs. Teachers have room to know students by name, adjust when someone needs extra support, and celebrate growth along the way—while still offering athletics, fine arts, career pathways, and eligible virtual and hybrid options.

This section of our site explains how instruction is organized, which programs extend the classroom experience, and where families find calendars, testing information, and downloadable forms.

Start here

Explore academics at CMS

Choose the topic that fits your question. Current families can also use our family resources hub for forms and document downloads.

Curriculum

PK–12 instruction, Arkansas standards, assessment, technology, and how learning is organized on each campus.

View curriculum

Special programs

Gifted & talented, virtual and hybrid learning, career coaching, CTE, counseling, and more.

View programs

Athletics

Eagle teams, schedules, and school spirit—academics and athletics both matter at CMS High School.

Eagles athletics

Student experience

Learning happens in more than one setting

Academics come first—and students also have room to compete, perform, serve, and lead.

Classrooms

Core subjects, intervention, and enrichment on campus—with class sizes that help teachers stay connected to each student.

Technology

Digital tools that support instruction, communication with families, and responsible use of online resources.

Pathways

Career and college connections, including opportunities through National Park College for eligible juniors and seniors.

Flexible options

Eligible virtual and hybrid learners can stay enrolled with CMS while blending home-based learning with district support.

At a glance

Small enough to know you. Equipped for variety.

PK–12

One district, two buildings on Spring Street—elementary foundations through high school graduation requirements.

13

Average class size—relationships and attention while students still access teams, clubs, arts, and pathways.

591

Students district-wide—large enough for programs; small enough that staff still recognize your child.

Figures update annually. View district data on My School Info (opens in new tab).

By campus

Academics on each campus

Elementary and high school share Eagle culture with age-appropriate expectations, staff, and daily routines.

CMS Elementary

Grades PK–6 · Foundational literacy, math, discovery, and habits that prepare students for middle school.

School overview

CMS High School

Grades 7–12 · Rigorous coursework, counseling, CTE, career coaching, and preparation for college or career.

School overview

Quick answers

Academics FAQs

Many district PDFs—including gifted & talented nomination forms, district testing calendars, and school-year calendars—are in our searchable family document library. State-required policies and reports are on the state-required documents page.

Yes, for eligible students. See virtual & hybrid options and our enrollment process page for how School Choice, residency, and Connect Care paths work. Call (501) 262-2414 if you are not sure which rules apply.

Families use Arkansas Home Access Center (PowerSchool). Sign-in links and guidance are on our family resources page under parent tools.

Start with your child’s campus office—elementary (PK–6) or high school (7–12). The district office at (501) 262-2414 can route you to counselors, principals, or program coordinators. Use contact us for addresses and department listings.

Explore more

Considering CMS for your student?

Tour a campus, ask about programs, or learn how enrollment works—we are happy to explain academics before you apply.

Apply / get started (501) 262-2414