Sharon Bennett
Board President
Founding leadership
Building the school with accountability.
Arkansas Outdoor Academy is being built as a tuition-free public school for Little Rock students. Clear governance, responsible planning, and honest communication matter as the school prepares for Fall 2027.
Opening grades: 6–10
Current leadership
People responsible for the work.
The board provides governance and oversight. The Head of School leads the work of preparing the school for students and families.
Dr. Charles Argo
Board Vice President
Mike Simmons
Board Secretary
Kyle Cowles
Board Treasurer
Chris Horton
Head of School
Trust and transparency
Families deserve to know where things stand.
AOA will continue to distinguish confirmed information from planning information as the school moves through its pre-opening work. Opening plans, schedules, transportation, campus details, and other operational information will be shared as they are finalized.
Read the road to opening.
Follow the progress, the remaining work, and the decisions being made to prepare AOA responsibly.
Stay connected
Want to follow AOA's progress?
Join the AOA Parent Interest List for updates as the school prepares for Fall 2027. Joining the list expresses interest only. It does not guarantee enrollment or reserve a seat.