For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,059 students in 72908, AR.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 72908, AR are Elmer H. Cook Elementary School, Cavanaugh Elementary School and Beard Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 72908 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Arkansas public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 40% statewide average). Elementary schools in 72908, AR have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Arkansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best 72908, AR Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Elmer H. Cook Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3517 Brooken Hill Dr
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-8880
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-8880
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Cavanaugh Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1025 School St
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-1131
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-1131
Gr: PK-5 | 303 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Beard Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1600 Cavanaugh Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-0834
Fort Smith, AR 72908
(479) 646-0834
Gr: PK-5 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 72908, AR?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 72908, AR include Elmer H. Cook Elementary School, Cavanaugh Elementary School and Beard Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 72908?
3 public elementary schools are located in 72908.
What is the racial composition of students in 72908?
72908 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Arkansas public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.