For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 3,292 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 40% (versus the Arkansas public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 42% 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 64% 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 691 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 808 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 720 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 800 students
Rank: #55.
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
Fort Smith Virtual Academy
Charter School
5900 Painter Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(844) 989-3399
Grades: K-12
| 133 students
Rank: n/an/a
Haas Hall Academy Fort Smith
Charter School
1000 Fianna Way
Fort Smith, AR 72919
(479) 977-4930
Fort Smith, AR 72919
(479) 977-4930
Grades: 7-12
| 67 students
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?
7 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 64% 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: L. A. Chaffin Middle School vs. Ramsey Middle School, Dora Kimmons Middle School vs. Ramsey Middle School, Ramsey Middle School vs. L. A. Chaffin Middle School
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.