Best Public Schools in Fort Smith, AR

The Fort Smith, Arkansas school district comprises 28 schools, including 18 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance across the district, with several standout schools consistently ranking among the top in the state, while others struggle to meet proficiency standards.

Southside High School and L.A. Chaffin Middle School are the district's top performers, with exceptional test scores that exceed the state and district averages by a wide margin. Similarly, John P. Woods Elementary School and Euper Lane Elementary School are among the highest-ranking elementary schools in Arkansas.

However, the data also reveals significant performance gaps, with several schools struggling to meet proficiency standards, particularly in math and science. The analysis suggests that these disparities may be linked to factors such as socioeconomic status, funding levels, and school type, as the higher-performing schools tend to have lower free/reduced lunch rates and spend more per student. The Fort Smith School District faces the challenge of addressing these inequities and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of the school they attend.