Serving 316 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Barling Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 316 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Overview
Barling Elementary School's student population of 316 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
316 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Rankings
Barling Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Barling Elementary School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#346 out of 989 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
28%
15%
Black
n/a
19%
White
53%
57%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
13%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
20%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Fort Smith School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barling Elementary School's ranking?
Barling Elementary School is ranked #346 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Barling Elementary School often compared to?
Barling Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Park Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Barling Elementary School?
316 students attend Barling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Barling Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Barling Elementary School?
Barling Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Barling Elementary School offer ?
Barling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Barling Elementary School part of?
Barling Elementary School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
Review Barling Elementary 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
