[2] 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.

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 Harmony Grove Hornets compete as rivals to the Bearden Bears in an annual matchup with the game winner capturing the Bill Manning Rivalry Trophy.