Fort Smith School District

The Fort Smith School District in Arkansas encompasses 27 schools, including 20 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district serves a diverse student population with varying academic performance across its schools.

Among the standout schools in the district are Southside High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state, and L.A. Chaffin Junior High School, which is a top-performing middle school. These schools excel in ACT Aspire test scores, with a majority of students scoring proficient or better across multiple subjects. In contrast, some schools, such as Northside High School and Dora Kimmons Junior High School, struggle with lower test scores and rankings.

The data suggests a potential correlation between the socioeconomic status of students, as indicated by free and reduced lunch rates, and academic performance. Schools with higher percentages of economically disadvantaged students tend to have lower test scores and rankings. Additionally, the significant variation in spending per student across the district raises questions about the equitable distribution of resources and its impact on student outcomes. The data also highlights the unique challenges faced by the district's only alternative school, the Belle Point Alternative Center, which has the lowest test scores and rankings among all the schools.