For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,426 students in 72901, AR (there are , 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 29% (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: 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
Grades: 6-8
| 808 students
Rank: #22.
Ballman Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%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: 44% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 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.
Carnall Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | 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: #55.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 720 students
Rank: #66.
Howard Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | 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: #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.
Northside High School
(Math: 16% | 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: #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

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.