FSPS District Letter Grade Improves from C to B as Nine Schools Show Growth
![Letter Grade Thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789678194/fortsmithschoolsorg/finxen7ipx9atv6zd7uc/2026LetterGrade.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789678194/fortsmithschoolsorg/finxen7ipx9atv6zd7uc/2026LetterGrade.jpg","width":512}])
FSPS District Letter Grade Improves from C to B as Nine Schools Show Growth
From the Office of Communications and Engagement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2026
FSPS District Letter Grade Improves from C to B as Nine Schools Show Growth
Fort Smith, AR.- Fort Smith Public Schools is celebrating significant growth following the release of the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) School Index Report. Nine FSPS schools improved their letter grade, eight remained the same, six decreased, while the district overall improved from a C to a B.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress reflected in these results,” said FSPS Superintendent Martin Mahan. “Moving the district from a C to a B is significant, and seeing nine of our schools improve demonstrates the dedication and hard work happening throughout Fort Smith Public Schools, thanks to our teachers, administrators, students, and families, who have all played a role in this growth. We also recognize that the results provide an opportunity for us to continue learning and improving, and we will use these results to identify what is working, where we can improve, and how we continue to move forward as a district.”
The Following FSPS Schools improved their letter grades:
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Nine FSPS schools were also named 2026 Gem Schools for recognizing outstanding achievement, growth, content-area performance, or sustained improvement.
- Ballman Elementary will receive $14,279.02 for ranking in the Top 6-10% for growth overall and growth in science.
- Woods will receive $21,367.35 for ranking in the top 6-10% for achievement and for achievement in ELA and math.
- Southside High School will receive $89,893.92 for ranking in the top 6-10% in achievement and in ELA and science.
- Carnall, Morrison, Sutton, and Darby were recognized as Gem Schools for sustained improvement.
- Northside High School was recognized for growth in science, and
- Sunnymede for growth in math and ELA.
Fort Smith Public Schools will continue to focus on academic achievement, student growth, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.