Needs Improvement
#1024 of 1,035 schools in AR
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
3.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fort Smith
#23 of 26
public schools
Arkansas elementary schools
#499 of 509
In district
#23 of 26
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
About Howard Elementary School
Howard Elementary School is a regular public school nestled in the heart of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, Howard Elementary provides an educational environment with 253 enrolled students and a student-teacher ratio of 18.1:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention. With 14 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, the school fosters a supportive learning community.
Academically, Howard Elementary has room for improvement, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 out of 10 and state ranking of #1008 out of 1044 schools in Arkansas. In reading and math, proficiency rates are 23% and 26%, respectively, highlighting areas where the school is focusing on student development. Despite these challenges, Howard Elementary continues to strive for excellence, offering a curriculum tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students.
Howard Elementary School is situated in a small city setting, contributing to its close-knit community atmosphere. The school's location within Fort Smith offers both urban amenities and a sense of local connection, making it an integral part of the neighborhood.
Score Breakdown
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Howard Elementary School — Students at Howard Elementary School score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AR EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 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: 2.7/10.
How Howard Elementary School Compares
See how Howard Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 39% (2019) to 17% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 17% (2022).
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. TRUSTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HARRY C. MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Howard Elementary School has a median household income of $42,568. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $113,200, with a median rent of $837/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| TILLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 2.9 |
| TERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR | 3.2 |
| RANDY HUGHES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Blevins, AR | 3.3 |
| CARNALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 3.4 |
| KIPP: BLYTHEVILLE COLLEGE PREP Blytheville, AR | 2.6 |
| TWO RIVERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ola, AR | 3.5 |
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 is ranked #1024 out of 1,035 schools in AR.
What is Howard Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Howard Elementary School has a composite rating of 3.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Howard Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Howard Elementary School has 26.0% math proficiency and 22.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,538/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Fort Smith). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (479) 783-7382
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 14,060
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,459
- District Rank
- #23 of 26
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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