For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,426 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 28% (versus the Arkansas public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (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 42% (majority Black).
Best 72901, AR Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ramsey Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3201 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-5115
Grades: 6-8
| 808 students
Rank: #22.
Ballman Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2601 South Q St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1280
Grades: PK-5
| 284 students
Rank: #33.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2400 S Dallas
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-3214
Grades: PK-5
| 491 students
Rank: #44.
William O. Darby Middle School
(Math: 24% | 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
Grades: 6-8
| 720 students
Rank: #55.
Carnall Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2524 S Tulsa St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 646-3612
Grades: PK-5
| 203 students
Rank: #66.
Northside High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2301 North B St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-1171
Grades: 9-12
| 2,253 students
Rank: #77.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 341 students
Rank: #88.
Howard Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | 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
Grades: PK-5
| 253 students
Rank: #99.
Belle Point Alternative Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1501 Dodson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 783-7034
Grades: 6-12
| 73 students
Rank: n/an/a
Institute For The Creative Arts School
Charter School
1101 Riverfront Dr
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2020
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 434-2020
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
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?
10 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 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.