Average
#516 of 1,036 schools in AR
Top 50% in state
Howard Elementary School
Elementary School · FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
1301 N 8TH ST, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arkansas schools
#516 of 1,036
In Fort Smith
#13 of 26
public schools
In district
#13 of 26
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Equity
7.3 / 10
Very Good
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Howard Elementary School
Elementary School in Fort Smith · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Future School of Fort Smith
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Tilles Elementary School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Howard Elementary School
Howard Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fort Smith, AR, part of FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT. Howard Elementary School serves approximately 253 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Howard Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #516 of 1,036 schools in AR.
Structured state assessment records for Howard Elementary School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- District avg 5.8
- AR avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Howard Elementary School — Students at Howard Elementary School score 31% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)
Based on 37 test records from AR state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 7.1/10.
How Howard Elementary School Compares
See how Howard Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1301 N 8TH ST, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Howard Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. BALLMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, MOFFETT PUBLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.4/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Moffett), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fort Smith, see our Fort Smith schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 miNeighborhood 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 |
|---|---|
| BRADLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bradley, AR | 6.4 |
| LONOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lonoke, AR | 6.5 |
| MAGAZINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Magazine, AR | 6.5 |
| MINERAL SPRINGS ELEM. SCHOOL Mineral Springs, AR | 6.5 |
| CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 6.3 |
| KIRBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kirby, AR | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Howard Elementary School
What grades does Howard Elementary School serve?
Howard Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Howard Elementary School?
Howard Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 253 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Howard Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Howard Elementary School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Howard Elementary School rank in AR?
Howard Elementary School ranks #516 of 1,036 schools in AR.
What is Howard Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Howard Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Howard Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Howard Elementary School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Howard Elementary School a charter school?
No, Howard Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Howard Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Howard Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Howard Elementary School?
91.3% of students at Howard 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 253
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 14
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 91.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Sebastian County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 22.5%
- Phone
- (479) 783-7382
Resources & Links
District
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 14,060
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,459
- District Rank
- #13 of 26
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