Northside High School is one of two public high schools in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas, both of which are administered by the Fort Smith School District. Within the state, the school is commonly known as Fort Smith Northside.
Serving 2,231 students in grades 9-12, Northside High 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 16% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,231 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Northside High School serves the northern part of Fort Smith, AR, covering an area of approximately 23.6 square miles. Parents can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northside High School's student population of 2,231 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 199 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,231 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
199 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1928
School Calendar
School Rankings
Northside High 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 Northside High School is 0.64, 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
#844 out of 989 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
55%
15%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
19%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
18%
57%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
91%
89.9%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.1%
22.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
54%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
10%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue & Gold
School Mascot
Grizzly Bear (named Bob)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northside High School's ranking?
Northside High School is ranked #844 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Northside High School often compared to?
Northside High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northside High School?
The graduation rate of Northside High School is 91%, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 89.9%.
How many students attend Northside High School?
2,231 students attend Northside High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Northside High School students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northside High School?
Northside High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northside High School offer ?
Northside High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northside High School part of?
Northside High School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
this school is good without alot of violance
5 10/10/2025
Great atmosphere socially & educationally
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