For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,537 students in 72901, AR (there are 4 private schools, serving 763 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 72901, AR are educated in public schools (compared to the AR state average of 94%).
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 35% (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 43% (majority Black).
Best 72901, AR Public Schools (2026-27)
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 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Ballman Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2601 S Q St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Gr: PK-5 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2400 S Dallas St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Gr: PK-5 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #44.
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 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
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 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #66.
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 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Future School Of Fort Smith
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
622 N 7th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 431-8695
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 431-8695
Gr: 9-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Northside High School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2301 N B St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Gr: 9-12 | 2,231 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
Institute For The Creative Arts School
Charter School
1101 Riverfront Drive
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2114
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2114
Gr: 9-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
72901, Arkansas Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Belle Point Alternative Center (Closed)
Alternative School
1501 Dodson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Gr: 6-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
2524 South Tulsa St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Gr: PK-5 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
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?
9 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 94%).
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 43% (majority Black).
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