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Beard Elementary School

1600 Cavanaugh Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(School attendance zone shown in map)
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 287 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Beard Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Arkansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 42% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 287 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 54%
  • : Top 30% in AR
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Top 10%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Beard Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Beard Elementary School's student population of 287 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
287 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. May 26, 2026

School Rankings

Beard Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Beard Elementary School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (AR)
#206 out of 989 schools
(Top 30%)
40-44%
39%
55-59%
40%
45-49%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
7%
2%
Hispanic
17%
15%
Black
11%
19%
White
46%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
17%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.72
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beard Elementary School's ranking?
Beard Elementary School is ranked #206 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Beard Elementary School often compared to?
Beard Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Elmer H. Cook Elementary School, Cavanaugh Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Beard Elementary School?
287 students attend Beard Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Beard Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Beard Elementary School?
Beard Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Beard Elementary School offer ?
Beard Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Beard Elementary School part of?
Beard Elementary School is part of Fort Smith School District.

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 287 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 54%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Top 10%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education

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