For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,225 students in Fort Smith, AR.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Fort Smith, AR are L. A. Chaffin Middle School, Ramsey Middle School and William O. Darby Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Fort Smith, AR public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Middle schools in Fort Smith have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Arkansas public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public middle school average of 41% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Fort Smith, AR (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
L. A. Chaffin Middle School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3025 Massard Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 452-2226
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 452-2226
Gr: 6-8 | 753 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
Dora Kimmons Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2201 N 50th St
Fort Smith, AR 72904
(479) 785-2451
Fort Smith, AR 72904
(479) 785-2451
Gr: 6-8 | 753 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: n/an/a
Fort Smith Virtual Academy
Charter School
3205 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Gr: 6-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
Haas Hall Academy Fort Smith
Charter School
1000 Fianna Way Ste 430
Fort Smith, AR 72919
(479) 977-4930
Fort Smith, AR 72919
(479) 977-4930
Gr: 7-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Fort Smith, 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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Fort Smith, AR?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Fort Smith, AR include L. A. Chaffin Middle School, Ramsey Middle School and William O. Darby Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Fort Smith?
6 public middle schools are located in Fort Smith.
What is the racial composition of students in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith public middle schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public middle schools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Fort Smith are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Fort Smith include: Dora Kimmons Middle School vs. Ramsey Middle School, L. A. Chaffin Middle School vs. Ramsey Middle School, William O. Darby Middle School vs. Ramsey Middle School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.