Serving 711 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 26% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 39%). 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 12:1 is lower than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 711 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 26% (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 711 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
711 students
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
School Motto
Empower all students to grow and learn with the mindset of a Ranger
School Rankings
William O. Darby Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 989 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 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#753 out of 989 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
49%
15%
Black
9%
19%
White
30%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
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 William O. Darby Middle School's ranking?
William O. Darby Middle School is ranked #753 out of 989 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?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% 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?
711 students attend William O. Darby Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of William O. Darby Middle School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William O. Darby Middle School?
William O. Darby Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does William O. Darby Middle School offer ?
William O. Darby Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
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
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.
