2026–27 enrollment · Hot Springs, Arkansas

Enroll at Cutter Morning Star Public Schools for 2026–27

A small public PK–12 district in Hot Springs with on-campus, virtual, and hybrid options, plus athletics, fine arts, and career pathways that help students stay connected and move forward.

Here, students are known by name, supported by adults who notice them, and encouraged to find the path that fits.

Share a few details and our team will help you understand whether School Choice, residency-based enrollment, virtual, or hybrid options apply to your family.

Check options before June 1 Call (501) 262-2414

School Choice deadline:

June 1, 2026

Considering a transfer for 2026–27? Submit the form now so CMS can help confirm your options before the deadline.

Check options before June 1

Same-day replies most school days. We’ll route your question to the right campus team so you can get clear answers quickly.

June 1 deadline

Check your options before School Choice closes

The form takes about a minute. We’ll help you understand what applies to your family and what paperwork may be needed before June 1.

See if my student qualifies
  • No obligation—just clarity on deadlines and paperwork.
  • For transfers, new residents, virtual/hybrid, and homeschool-hybrid families.
  • Prefer phone? (501) 262-2414
Families enroll from Hot Springs Lake Hamilton Fountain Lake Jesseville Mountain Pine plus virtual & hybrid students statewide
Cutter Morning Star campus entrance and school sign
Football field at Cutter Morning Star
Students at Cutter Morning Star

Act now

Will your student get a seat?

Key date: June 1, 2026

Arkansas School Choice applications close for many transfer families.

For many families outside the district, June 1, 2026 is the key deadline. That is when Arkansas School Choice applications close for the 2026–27 school year.

If you are interested in transferring, don’t wait until the final week. Grade levels, programs, and options may become more limited as the deadline gets closer.

Moving into Garland County? Your path may be different. Virtual, hybrid, and residency-based enrollment may also have different requirements. One short form or call can help clarify which path applies to your student.

Check options before June 1

Quick facts

Am I eligible?

Quick answers before you submit

Can we apply if we live outside the district?

Many Arkansas families apply through School Choice before June 1, 2026. Submit the form and we’ll help confirm whether that path fits your situation.

Do you offer virtual or hybrid enrollment?

Yes, where eligible. We’ll explain what applies based on your student’s grade level, location, and learning needs.

Is there tuition?

There is no tuition to attend as a public school student in our district, the same as other Arkansas public schools. Some activity, athletic, or program fees may apply.

Your situation

Which path fits your family?

This page is for families who are:

  • Considering School Choice before June 1, 2026
  • Moving to Garland County or the Hot Springs area
  • Looking for virtual or hybrid K–12 options while staying enrolled with one district
  • Comparing smaller public school environments near Hot Springs

Not sure which line fits you? Ask if my student qualifies or call (501) 262-2414.

Deadline

June 1, 2026

School Choice applications for 2026–27 close June 1. If you’re considering CMS, submit the form now so we can help confirm your options before the deadline.

Average class size

13 students

Cutter Morning Star serves about 670 students across PK–12. With an average class size around 13, students can be known by name while still having access to athletics, fine arts, career pathways, and eligible virtual or hybrid options.

Sources: Cutter–Morning Star district profile (My School Info) · Official district site. Figures update annually—ask us for the latest.

Your path

PK – 12

On campus in Hot Springs or virtual & hybrid where eligible—same Eagles activities when rules are met.

Why families choose us

Three things you feel on day one

Families often choose CMS because they want:

  • Relationships
  • A close school community
  • Straight answers from the people helping their child enroll.
Student life at CMS

Teachers who actually know your kid

With fewer students in the hallway, staff have more chances to notice when a student needs support, encouragement, or a stronger challenge.

A culture where your student belongs

Clear expectations, connected adults, and a close school community help students spend less energy trying to fit in and more energy learning.

More than a screen or a desk

Students can take part in academics, athletics, band, choir, clubs, and activities, including eligible virtual and hybrid students who want to stay connected.

Choose your fit

Learn here, at home, or mix both

Tell us your goal—a diploma, a career certification, or the right support for your learner—and we’ll map the option that matches.

Learning programs at Cutter Morning Star

Virtual & hybrid K–12

Blend home-based learning with district support and certified instruction when that’s what your student needs. Many families pair this with athletics, band, choir, and activities—eligibility rules apply.

Homeschooling or hybrid? Connect Care is our support pathway for qualifying homeschool-hybrid families. We’ll explain how it lines up with Arkansas rules before you file paperwork.

Career pathways in high school

Through National Park College, eligible juniors and seniors can explore career pathways such as welding, automotive, plumbing, marine technology, nursing, and more—while earning high school credit.

On campus you’ll also find programs in teacher preparation, computer science, graphic design, and core courses that keep college and work options open.

Typical dismissal: 2:45–2:50 p.m. Monday–Friday—confirm with the office for your student’s building.

Get virtual/hybrid details

Athletics

Eagles are building momentum

Athletics are a growing part of the Cutter Morning Star student experience. Students have opportunities to compete, build confidence, and represent their school with pride.

First playoff football game hosted

Boys basketball conference champions

Girls basketball conference runner-up

Families interested in on-campus, virtual, or hybrid enrollment can ask how athletics eligibility works for their student. Rules may vary by grade level, enrollment path, and Arkansas requirements, so our team will help you understand what applies before you make a decision.

Eagles athletics

Teamwork

Students learn discipline, leadership, and confidence through practices, games, and school pride.

Belonging

Sports can help new students meet classmates, connect with coaches, and feel part of the CMS community.

Eligibility help

Considering virtual or hybrid enrollment? Ask us how athletics eligibility works for your student before you file paperwork.

Popular next step: ask about athletics when you submit the enrollment form, or call (501) 262-2414 for current sports information.

Ask about athletics View athletics

Campuses

Our schools

Walk the elementary and high school campuses, meet principals, and picture your child here—book through the form below or call (501) 262-2414.

Cutter Morning Star Elementary School building

Cutter Morning Star Elementary

Grades PK–6

Foundation in literacy, numeracy, and discovery—where young Eagles begin to spread their wings.

2800 Spring St. · Hot Springs, AR 71901

Cutter Morning Star High School building

Cutter Morning Star High School

Grades 7–12

Rigorous coursework, career and college planning through National Park College partnerships and in-house pathways, plus athletics and fine arts—the complete secondary experience.

2801 Spring St. · Hot Springs, AR 71901

Schedule a campus visit View athletics

You are not committing to enroll. This form helps our team explain your options before the June 1 School Choice deadline.

Your next step

Get help with enrollment

Share a few details and we’ll connect you with the right campus team. We aim for same-day replies on school days by phone, email, or text.

Want voice first? (501) 262-2414

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter your phone number.
Please select an option.
Please confirm to submit.

We’ll use your details only to follow up on enrollment. Reply STOP to texts anytime.

Summer

Meet CMS before the first day

Summer can be a low-pressure way for students to meet coaches, explore programs, and get familiar with campus before school starts. Offerings vary by year, and fees or eligibility rules may apply.

  • Athletics & camps — basketball (including Slamming Buckets on Saturdays), volleyball camps, and more—call for the current flyer.
  • Fine arts & clubs — ask the office what’s scheduled as programs finalize.
  • Prefer to focus on enrollment first? Go back to the form or call (501) 262-2414.

Need dates & fees?

We’ll route you to athletics or the right office for the latest schedule.

Call (501) 262-2414
Check options before June 1 Call (501) 262-2414