Serving 287 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Beard Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 38%). 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 Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 287 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 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
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
287 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Rankings
Beard Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 997 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#122 out of 997 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
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
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 #122 out of 997 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% 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?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% 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.
School Reviews
Review Beard Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
