Serving 753 students in grades 6-8, L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 753 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in AR
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
L. A. Chaffin Middle School's student population of 753 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
753 students
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
School Rankings
L. A. Chaffin Middle School ranks within the top 5% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of L. A. Chaffin Middle School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#42 out of 989 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
7%
2%
Hispanic
17%
15%
Black
5%
19%
White
55%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
15%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L. A. Chaffin Middle School's ranking?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School is ranked #42 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are L. A. Chaffin Middle School often compared to?
L. A. Chaffin Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ramsey Middle School, William O. Darby Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
How many students attend L. A. Chaffin Middle School?
753 students attend L. A. Chaffin Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of L. A. Chaffin Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of L. A. Chaffin Middle School?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Arkansas state average of 14:1.
What grades does L. A. Chaffin Middle School offer ?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is L. A. Chaffin Middle School part of?
L. A. Chaffin Middle School is part of Fort Smith School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Girls basketball coach should be replaced. Her team only won one game last year and it looks like this year will be another one game win all season. How does everyone think the basketball girls feel about their team? Why would anyone with a good athletic ability want to play at Chaffin? Evidently the Fort Smith athletic director Mr. Rowland doesn't mind all the losses or he would be making sure a real coach with the ability to teach the girls how to improve not regress over the season. Don't bother wasting your money going to the game until it is time for the 9th grade boys to play. Awesome coaching ability by the boys coaches. They know what they are doing.
2 10/10/2025
The office people are not helpful at all!!
5 10/10/2025
We love this school because it is nice place
Review L. A. Chaffin Middle 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
