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 2026)
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).
Recent Articles
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.