Benton, Arkansas – Benton could be on the verge of welcoming a new private school after a recent decision by the city’s Zoning and Planning Commission appears to open the door for private education to move forward on equal footing with public schools. On Tuesday, the commission approved changes to the language in an existing ordinance regarding school zoning, a move that aligns the approval process for private schools with that of public schools.
The proposed project, led by Jesus Plus Nothing LLC, envisions a Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade on a 90-acre site near the soon-to-be Buc-ee’s in Benton. The LLC purchased the land in 2025 for $9.1 million, signaling a significant investment in the city’s educational landscape. “This change gives private schools the same zoning considerations as public schools, which could make a big difference for the future of education in Benton,” said a local city planner involved in the process.
The path to this point has not been straightforward. In December, Jesus Plus Nothing LLC requested a conditional use permit from the planning and zoning commission, which approved it twice. However, when the matter reached the Benton City Council, the permit was ultimately voted down. The council’s decision effectively blocked the school from moving forward under the existing ordinance. With the new changes to the ordinance, that block may now be surmountable.
The updated wording in the ordinance means that private schools no longer face an additional layer of regulatory scrutiny beyond what is required for public schools. This parity could simplify the approval process for the proposed school and similar future projects. For the group advocating for private schools, the change represents an opportunity to revisit the December city council decision.
According to local officials, the next steps now rest with Jesus Plus Nothing LLC and other supporters of private education. The group could challenge the city council’s vote from December under the revised ordinance or choose to wait a full calendar year before reapplying for approval. “Ultimately, the decision will be up to the LLC and those fighting for private schools,” one city official noted.
The proposal has sparked discussion within the community about the role of private education in Benton and the potential impact on local families. Supporters argue that a new Christian school would provide additional educational choices and serve a growing population in the area. Critics have previously expressed concerns about zoning, traffic, and the scale of the development, all of which are likely to resurface as the project moves forward.
With the zoning change now in place, Benton may soon see renewed momentum for private schooling initiatives. The decision by the planning and zoning commission marks a key turning point, and all eyes are now on how Jesus Plus Nothing LLC will proceed in the coming months. As the debate unfolds, residents and officials alike are weighing the potential benefits of increased educational options against the practical considerations of a large-scale school development in the city.
