Serving 720 students in grades 6-8, William O. Darby Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Arkansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 42% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 720 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
William O. Darby Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
William O. Darby Middle School's student population of 720 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
720 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
William O. Darby Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 997 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William O. Darby Middle School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#757 out of 997 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
50%
15%
Black
10%
19%
White
29%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William O. Darby Middle School's ranking?
William O. Darby Middle School is ranked #757 out of 997 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are William O. Darby Middle School often compared to?
William O. Darby Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ramsey Middle School, L. A. Chaffin Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% AR state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend William O. Darby Middle School?
720 students attend William O. Darby Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of William O. Darby Middle School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 10% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of William O. Darby Middle School?
William O. Darby Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does William O. Darby Middle School offer ?
William O. Darby Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is William O. Darby Middle School part of?
William O. Darby Middle School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
Review William O. Darby Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Banishing the Phone-based Childhood
The article advocates for a dramatic cultural shift - delaying kids' smartphone ownership until high school and social media access until 16, promoting more free play, and fostering a healthier, screen-free childhood through collective action.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st Century
Explore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
