The fayetteville school district is recognized across arkansas and the region as a leader in academic excellence and teaching innovation. The district was the first school district granted a charter by the state of arkansas in 1871. The district was also the first to voluntarily integrate its schools, only five days after the brown v. Board of education decision in 1954. With one high school, two junior highs, two middle schools, one combined middle and elementary school, 8 elementary schools, one virtual academy, and one alternative learning environment, fayetteville public schools serves 10,500 students every day. No other school district in arkansas has more advanced placement scholars. Over 6,000 fps students participate in extra-curricular activities including art, athletics, clubs, choral music, debate, community service, instrumental music, journalism, theater, and many more. The diversity of the student population has nearly tripled in the last twenty years to 32 percent.