For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,426 students in 72901, AR (there are 4 private schools, serving 758 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 72901, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in 72901, AR are Ramsey Middle School, Ballman Elementary School and Fairview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 72901 have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in 72901, AR have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best 72901, AR Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ramsey Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3201 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Gr: 6-8 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Ballman Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2601 South Q St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Gr: PK-5 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #33.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2400 S Dallas
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Gr: PK-5 | 491 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
Carnall Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2524 S Tulsa St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Gr: PK-5 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #55.
William O. Darby Middle School
(Math: 26% | 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
Gr: 6-8 | 720 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #66.
Howard Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1301 N 8th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7382
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7382
Gr: PK-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #77.
Tilles Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
815 N 16th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 785-5606
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 785-5606
Gr: PK-5 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #88.
Northside High School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2301 North B St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Gr: 9-12 | 2,253 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #99.
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
Gr: 6-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: n/an/a
Institute For The Creative Arts School
Charter School
1101 Riverfront Dr
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2020
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2020
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 72901, AR?
The top-ranked public schools in 72901, AR include Ramsey Middle School, Ballman Elementary School and Fairview Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 72901?
10 public schools are located in 72901.
What percentage of students in 72901 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 72901 are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in 72901?
72901 public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public schools average of 42% (majority Black).
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