Serving 691 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 64% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 38%). 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 13:1 is equal to the Arkansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 42% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 691 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- 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
Diversity
School Overview
L. A. Chaffin Middle School's student population of 691 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
691 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Rankings
L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks within the top 5% of all 997 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of L. A. Chaffin Middle School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#43 out of 997 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
7%
2%
Hispanic
17%
15%
Black
4%
19%
White
53%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
18%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L. A. Chaffin Middle School's ranking?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School is ranked #43 out of 997 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?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% 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?
691 students attend L. A. Chaffin Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of L. A. Chaffin Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Two or more races, 17% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 4% 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 13:1, which is equal to the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
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
5 3/23/2019
We love this school because it is nice place
2 2/25/2017
The office people are not helpful at all!!
2 12/22/2009
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.
Review L. A. Chaffin Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.