Northside High School is one of two public high schools in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas, both of which are administered by the Fort Smith School District. Within the state, the school is commonly known as Fort Smith Northside.
Serving 2,253 students in grades 9-12, Northside High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Arkansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 42% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,253 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northside High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Northside High School's student population of 2,253 students has grown by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 186 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,253 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
186 teachers
Year Founded
1928
School Rankings
Northside High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 997 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northside High 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
#810 out of 997 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
53%
15%
Black
14%
19%
White
21%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Grizzly Bear (named Bob)
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northside High School's ranking?
Northside High School is ranked #810 out of 997 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Northside High School often compared to?
Northside High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% AR state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northside High School?
The graduation rate of Northside High School is 90%, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 88%.
How many students attend Northside High School?
2,253 students attend Northside High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Northside High School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northside High School?
Northside High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northside High School offer ?
Northside High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northside High School part of?
Northside High School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
5 9/20/2018
Great atmosphere socially & educationally
5 1/28/2012
this school is good without alot of violance
Review Northside High 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.
