Paulette Smith Middle School in Fouke, AR serves 269 students in grades 6–8 with a student–teacher ratio of 11:1, which is lower than the recent district ratio of 13:1.
Math proficiency is 37%, which is approximately equal to the district average of 36% but lower than the state average of 39%; math scores have declined from 69% in 2012 to 37% in 2023.
Reading proficiency is 44%, higher than both the state average of 40% and the district average of 40%, showing relative stability since 2021.
Science proficiency is 38%, higher than the state average of 36% and the district average of 34%, remaining stable from 2021 to 2022.
Enrollment grew slightly from 265 in 2022 to 269 in 2023, with minority enrollment at 5%, showing no significant demographic shift; 65% of students qualify for free or reduced–price lunch, indicating a substantial socioeconomic need in this rural Arkansas middle school.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 269 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paulette Smith Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Paulette Smith Middle School's student population of 269 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
269 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. May 20, 2026
School Rankings
Paulette Smith Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paulette Smith Middle School is 0.10, which is less 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
#414 out of 989 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
15%
Black
n/a
19%
White
95%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
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 Paulette Smith Middle School's ranking?
Paulette Smith Middle School is ranked #414 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend Paulette Smith Middle School?
269 students attend Paulette Smith Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Paulette Smith Middle School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paulette Smith Middle School?
Paulette Smith Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Paulette Smith Middle School offer ?
Paulette Smith Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paulette Smith Middle School part of?
Paulette Smith Middle School is part of Fouke School District.
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