Top Rankings
Fort Smith School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,225 students in Fort Smith School District. This district's average middle testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public middle schools in Arkansas.
Public Middle Schools in Fort Smith School District have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 42% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (AR)
# Schools
27 Schools
352 Schools
# Students
14,060 Students
147,541 Students
# Teachers
981 Teachers
13,335 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
District Rank
Fort Smith School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 258 school districts in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 88% has increased from 86% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#120 out of 259 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
36%
Graduation Rate
88%
88%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.72
0.60
# American Indian Students
114 Students
846 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
1%
# Asian Students
669 Students
2,865 Students
% Asian Students
5%
2%
# Hispanic Students
5,090 Students
21,477 Students
% Hispanic Students
36%
14%
# Black Students
1,383 Students
28,045 Students
% Black Students
10%
19%
# White Students
5,171 Students
87,000 Students
% White Students
37%
59%
# Hawaiian Students
16 Students
1,533 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
1%
# Two or more races Students
1,617 Students
5,775 Students
% of Two or more races Students
11%
4%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
438
20
# Students in K Grade:
986
725
# Students in 1st Grade:
1,052
806
# Students in 2nd Grade:
1,086
836
# Students in 3rd Grade:
1,019
826
# Students in 4th Grade:
1,045
1,120
# Students in 5th Grade:
1,012
4,995
# Students in 6th Grade:
972
20,844
# Students in 7th Grade:
1,019
36,641
# Students in 8th Grade:
1,093
37,270
# Students in 9th Grade:
1,105
18,603
# Students in 10th Grade:
1,198
8,958
# Students in 11th Grade:
1,078
8,347
# Students in 12th Grade:
947
7,514
# Ungraded Students:
10
36
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $14,047 is higher than the state median of $13,132. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,881 is higher than the state median of $13,043. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$198 MM
$6,371 MM
Spending
$251 MM
$6,327 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,047
$13,132
Spending / Student
$17,881
$13,043
Best Fort Smith School District Public Middle Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
L. A. Chaffin Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3025 Massard Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 452-2226
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 452-2226
Grades: 6-8
| 691 students
Rank: #22.
Ramsey Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3201 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Grades: 6-8
| 808 students
Rank: #33.
Dora Kimmons Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2201 N 50th St
Fort Smith, AR 72904
(479) 785-2451
Fort Smith, AR 72904
(479) 785-2451
Grades: 6-8
| 800 students
Rank: #44.
William O. Darby Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
616 N 14th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-4159
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-4159
Grades: 6-8
| 720 students
Rank: #55.
Belle Point Alternative Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1501 Dodson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Grades: 6-12
| 73 students
Rank: n/an/a
Fort Smith Virtual Academy
Charter School
5900 Painter Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Grades: K-12
| 133 students
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
