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Needs Improvement

#989 of 1,036 schools in AR

Carnall Elementary School

Elementary School · FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT

2524 S TULSA ST, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Enrollment

203

Student-Teacher

15.6:1

Score

3.5

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Arkansas schools

#989 of 1,036

In Fort Smith

#26 of 26

public schools

In district

#26 of 26

FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Carnall Elementary School

3.5/10

Elementary School in Fort Smith · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Raymond F. Orr Elem. School

5.5/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

The Montessori School of Fort Smith

7.4/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Carnall Elementary School

Carnall Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fort Smith, AR, part of FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT. Carnall Elementary School serves approximately 203 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Carnall Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks #989 of 1,036 schools in AR.

Structured state assessment records for Carnall Elementary School show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.5 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.8
  • AR avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

36% of students at Carnall Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.02 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.5% (2025 ATLAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.9% (2025 ATLAS)
Math vs. State Avg-21.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.1 pts
Overall Proficiency22% (2025 ATLAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)30% (model expectation from 2025 ATLAS)
vs. Expected-7.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment3.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,459
Chronic Absenteeism35.5%

Carnall Elementary School — Students at Carnall Elementary School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.1% (2025 ATLAS)
ELA Proficiency 45.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
37.3% (2025 ATLAS)

Based on 37 test records from AR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
22%
2025
Math
18.5%
ELA
24.9%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.7/10.

How Carnall Elementary School Compares

See how Carnall Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.5/10
5th percentile in AR
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.5%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2524 S TULSA ST, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Carnall Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. SINGLETON ES (rated 8.6/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Arkoma), which scores notably higher. Another option is HARVEST TIME ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FORT SMITH (rated 7.4/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fort Smith, see our Fort Smith schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
RAYMOND F. ORR ELEM. SCHOOL Fort Smith 0.8 mi 5.5
THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FORT SMITH Fort Smith 0.9 mi 7.4
FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 1.3 mi 6.0
RAMSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Smith 1.3 mi 6.4
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Fort Smith 1.5 mi 6.7
BEARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 1.7 mi 6.6
HARVEST TIME ACADEMY Fort Smith 1.8 mi 7.9
CAVANAUGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 1.9 mi 7.2
CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Smith 2.1 mi 6.3
BALLMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 2.3 mi 7.4
ARKOMA MS Arkoma 2.1 mi 4.0
ARKOMA HS Arkoma 2.1 mi 6.4
SINGLETON ES Arkoma 2.1 mi 8.6
PREMIER HIGH SCHOOL OF FORT SMITH Fort Smith 2.7 mi
BELLE POINT ALTERNATIVE CENTER Fort Smith 2.7 mi 5.1
ELMER H. COOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 2.8 mi 7.2
BONNEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith 2.6 mi 7.1
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Fort Smith 3.1 mi 6.7
TRINITY CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Smith 3.0 mi 6.7
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Smith 3.3 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 72901 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,568

Median Home Value

$113,200

Median Rent

$837/mo

Population

19,966

College Educated

21.1%

Homeownership

44.7%

Avg Commute

16.8 min

Poverty Rate

23.9%

Median Age

36.3

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
JACKSONVILLE LIGHTHOUSE ELEMENTARY Jacksonville, AR 3.5
C.B. PARTEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brinkley, AR 3.4
LAFAYETTE COUNTY ELEMENTARY Lewisville, AR 3.4
EARLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Earle, AR 3.3
EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pine Bluff, AR 3.3
MARVELL-ELAINE ELEMENTARY SCH Marvell, AR 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carnall Elementary School

What grades does Carnall Elementary School serve?

Carnall Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Carnall Elementary School?

Carnall Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 203 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Carnall Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Carnall Elementary School is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Carnall Elementary School rank in AR?

Carnall Elementary School ranks #989 of 1,036 schools in AR.

What is Carnall Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Carnall Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Carnall Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Carnall Elementary School has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Carnall Elementary School a charter school?

No, Carnall Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Carnall Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Carnall Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carnall Elementary School?

82.3% of students at Carnall Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
41 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
42 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
203
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Sebastian County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.5%

District

FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
14,060
Schools in District
27
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,459
District Rank
#26 of 26

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