Serving 753 students in grades 6-8, L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% 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: 6-8
- Enrollment: 753 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: L. A. Chaffin Jr. High School serves the southeast part of Fort Smith, AR, covering an attendance area of approximately 33.5 square miles. Most students live within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 3.3 miles to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 7.4 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
L. A. Chaffin Middle School's student population of 753 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
753 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks within the top 5% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of L. A. Chaffin Middle School is 0.65, 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
#42 out of 989 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
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
7%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
17%
15%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
19%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
55%
57%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
15%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19%
22.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
54%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
10%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green & Gold
School Mascot
Cougars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L. A. Chaffin Middle School's ranking?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School is ranked #42 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are L. A. Chaffin Middle School often compared to?
L. A. Chaffin Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ramsey Middle School, William O. Darby Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend L. A. Chaffin Middle School?
753 students attend L. A. Chaffin Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of L. A. Chaffin Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of L. A. Chaffin Middle School?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does L. A. Chaffin Middle School offer ?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is L. A. Chaffin Middle School part of?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Girls basketball coach should be replaced. Her team only won one game last year and it looks like this year will be another one game win all season. How does everyone think the basketball girls feel about their team? Why would anyone with a good athletic ability want to play at Chaffin? Evidently the Fort Smith athletic director Mr. Rowland doesn't mind all the losses or he would be making sure a real coach with the ability to teach the girls how to improve not regress over the season. Don't bother wasting your money going to the game until it is time for the 9th grade boys to play. Awesome coaching ability by the boys coaches. They know what they are doing.
2 10/10/2025
The office people are not helpful at all!!
5 10/10/2025
We love this school because it is nice place
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