Bearden High School (Arkansas)
Bearden High School is a comprehensive public junior/senior high school serving grades seven through twelve in the rural, remote community of Bearden, Arkansas, United States. Located in Ouachita County, Bearden High School is one of four public high schools in the county and is the sole high school managed by the Bearden School District. Curriculum. The assumed course of study at Bearden High School is the Smart Core curriculum developed by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Students engage in regular and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams to obtain at least 22 units required  by the Smart Core curriculum. The Bearden School District offers students regular or advanced diplomas, based on coursework and grade point average. The school has been accredited by AdvancED since 1982. Exceptional students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and participated in Arkansas Governor's School. Bearden High School was listed and unranked in the "U.S. News & World Report" Best High Schools 2012 report. Athletics. The Bearden High School mascot is the bear with black and white serving as the school colors. For the 2012–14 seasons, the Bearden Bears participate in the 2A 7 West Conference. Competition is primarily  sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association with the Bears competing in baseball, basketball (boys/girls), cheer, cross country (girls), softball, and track and field (boys/girls). The Bearden Bears football team were Class 2A state finalists in 2007 and 2009, and semi-finalists in 2008 and 2010. The Bears have won conference titles in 1992, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2009, and 2010. The Harmony Grove Hornets compete as rivals to the Bearden Bears in an annual matchup with the game winner capturing the "Bill Manning Rivalry Trophy".