The new Northside Freshman Center. Photo courtesy Fort Smith Public Schools
FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In 2017 a Strategic Plan was adopted by the FSPS Board of Education, and a millage was passed by voters in 2018, creating a $120 million bond fund that is improving facilities and moving the district upward in the four areas of impact determined to be pillars of creating a “Culture of Excellence.”
Dubbed “Vision 2023,” the four pillars include career focus, collaboration, data-driven processes and enhancing relationships throughout the district. In the 2021 Annual Report to the Public, Dr. Morawski and representatives of the Vision 2023 Planning Committee updated the community on the progress toward achieving the goals set forth in the Strategic Plan.
A lengthy list of capital improvements were also part of the strategic plan, with many of those either already completed or very near completion. The list included adding walls to open spaces at four elementary schools, securing entrances at every campus to add a layer of safety, building new Freshman centers and athletic arenas at both high schools, and enhancing WiFi services for all K-12 students. The creation of Peak Innovation Center (see separate story in this section) was also part of the plan.
The district was technologically prepared for a relatively smooth pivot to virtual learning when COVID-19 created a need to make the change. Many families have found that to be a good option for their students, and have chosen to remain with the Virtual option. The Peak Innovation Center will act as the production center and offices for those services when it is opened this spring.
Last summer the school district began enrolling students in the first school-based health center, which is located adjacent to the Darby Middle School campus. Mercy Clinic Fort Smith partners with the district to provide services that include, but are not limited to, routine physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, vision, hearing and medical screenings, nutrition education and weight management and referrals for services not provided at the center. Emotional and Mental Health services are also provided through a partnership with The Guidance Center. Services are provided regardless of insurance coverage or the family’s ability to pay.
Students in 6th and 7th grades who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health sciences may apply to the district’s new Health Sciences Academy at Darby Middle School. “The program provides multiple opportunities throughout the school year for hands-on and real life learning experience specific to healthcare careers in our community,” said Dr. Katie Kreimer-Hall, Principal at Darby Middle School. The center also creates a strong foundation for success for these students when they go on to Peak Innovation Center programming during their high school years.
For 2021-22 and beyond, the change to grade 6-8 Middle Schools and grade 9-12 High Schools has added multiple benefits for usage of campus facilities and reduced the congestion at the district’s elementary campuses.
With 6th graders moving to the former Junior High campuses, they are exposed at an earlier age to additional elective courses and career-focused opportunities, as well as greater computer applications and STEM course mastery. Additional access to goal setting, advisors and academic enrichment also allows the staff to meet the unique needs of each student.
At the Northside and Southside High School Freshman Centers, 9th grade students gain access to advanced placement high school programming at an earlier age, along with being able to participate in higher level athletics, activities and instruction.
Dubbed “Vision 2023,” the four pillars include career focus, collaboration, data-driven processes and enhancing relationships throughout the district. In the 2021 Annual Report to the Public, Dr. Morawski and representatives of the Vision 2023 Planning Committee updated the community on the progress toward achieving the goals set forth in the Strategic Plan.
A lengthy list of capital improvements were also part of the strategic plan, with many of those either already completed or very near completion. The list included adding walls to open spaces at four elementary schools, securing entrances at every campus to add a layer of safety, building new Freshman centers and athletic arenas at both high schools, and enhancing WiFi services for all K-12 students. The creation of Peak Innovation Center (see separate story in this section) was also part of the plan.
The district was technologically prepared for a relatively smooth pivot to virtual learning when COVID-19 created a need to make the change. Many families have found that to be a good option for their students, and have chosen to remain with the Virtual option. The Peak Innovation Center will act as the production center and offices for those services when it is opened this spring.
Last summer the school district began enrolling students in the first school-based health center, which is located adjacent to the Darby Middle School campus. Mercy Clinic Fort Smith partners with the district to provide services that include, but are not limited to, routine physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, vision, hearing and medical screenings, nutrition education and weight management and referrals for services not provided at the center. Emotional and Mental Health services are also provided through a partnership with The Guidance Center. Services are provided regardless of insurance coverage or the family’s ability to pay.
Students in 6th and 7th grades who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health sciences may apply to the district’s new Health Sciences Academy at Darby Middle School. “The program provides multiple opportunities throughout the school year for hands-on and real life learning experience specific to healthcare careers in our community,” said Dr. Katie Kreimer-Hall, Principal at Darby Middle School. The center also creates a strong foundation for success for these students when they go on to Peak Innovation Center programming during their high school years.
For 2021-22 and beyond, the change to grade 6-8 Middle Schools and grade 9-12 High Schools has added multiple benefits for usage of campus facilities and reduced the congestion at the district’s elementary campuses.
With 6th graders moving to the former Junior High campuses, they are exposed at an earlier age to additional elective courses and career-focused opportunities, as well as greater computer applications and STEM course mastery. Additional access to goal setting, advisors and academic enrichment also allows the staff to meet the unique needs of each student.
At the Northside and Southside High School Freshman Centers, 9th grade students gain access to advanced placement high school programming at an earlier age, along with being able to participate in higher level athletics, activities and instruction.
Future School Junior, Jaylin Acevedo (right), interns on Wednesdays at Snell Prosthetics, exploring his interests in medicine and engineering. Photo courtesy Future School of Fort Smith.
FUTURE SCHOOL of FORT SMITH
As Fort Smith’s only tuition-free, public charter high school, Future School of Fort Smith provides a unique Big Picture Learning (BPL) experience to students in 9th through 12th grade. BPL is a national network of schools established in 1995 with a mission to put students directly at the center of their own learning.
“When we were searching for an education model to follow, we looked at 40 different schools in eight states,” said one of Future School’s co-founders, Trish Flanagan. “We wanted something where students gained some ownership of their school experience and were better prepared for a career or additional education after high school.”
Part of that preparation includes opportunities for internships with local businesses. These work-based learning arrangements are key to the school’s plan to encourage interaction between students and adults in a work environment. Nearly 200 local businesses participate in the internship programs, and more are always needed to meet the various career intentions of the students.
The school opened as a grade 10-12 high school in August 2016 with 56 students, and has increased enrollment each year to now exceed 300 in its four-year program. Located in the former Girls Club/Belle Grove Community Center between North 7th and 8th Streets from North F to North G Street, the facility has been remodeled and augmented with new classroom space to accommodate the growing student population.
Flanagan’s background in education includes teaching at all levels from preschool through college, but her time teaching at a high school in Brownsville, Texas set her on a path to make sure students were getting full value out of their education.
“We wanted to make sure the return on investment of education dollars was our top priority,” she added. “It starts with faculty that pays attention to the three C’s – Care for students, Content taught, and being Coachable – and we have sought that in our staff from our initial public meetings to today.”
To find out more about Future School of Fort Smith, check their website at fsfuture.org or call (479) 431-8695.
“When we were searching for an education model to follow, we looked at 40 different schools in eight states,” said one of Future School’s co-founders, Trish Flanagan. “We wanted something where students gained some ownership of their school experience and were better prepared for a career or additional education after high school.”
Part of that preparation includes opportunities for internships with local businesses. These work-based learning arrangements are key to the school’s plan to encourage interaction between students and adults in a work environment. Nearly 200 local businesses participate in the internship programs, and more are always needed to meet the various career intentions of the students.
The school opened as a grade 10-12 high school in August 2016 with 56 students, and has increased enrollment each year to now exceed 300 in its four-year program. Located in the former Girls Club/Belle Grove Community Center between North 7th and 8th Streets from North F to North G Street, the facility has been remodeled and augmented with new classroom space to accommodate the growing student population.
Flanagan’s background in education includes teaching at all levels from preschool through college, but her time teaching at a high school in Brownsville, Texas set her on a path to make sure students were getting full value out of their education.
“We wanted to make sure the return on investment of education dollars was our top priority,” she added. “It starts with faculty that pays attention to the three C’s – Care for students, Content taught, and being Coachable – and we have sought that in our staff from our initial public meetings to today.”
To find out more about Future School of Fort Smith, check their website at fsfuture.org or call (479) 431-8695.
Students at Union Christian Academy perform a Chemistry experiment. Photo courtesy of Union Christian Academy.
UNION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Union Christian Academy is the only fully accredited (ACSI, ANSAA, AdvancED, NFNSSA) preschool through 12th grade private Christian School in the River Valley. Their mission is to provide an outstanding Christian education centered on a Biblical worldview that encourages all students to reach their highest God-given potential. Union is proud of its 100% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate and that their students consistently test above state and national averages.
At Union older students mentor and develop relationships with younger students, as they do in a family. The mission of Union Christian Academy is to provide an outstanding Christian education centered on a Biblical worldview that encourages all students to reach their highest God-given potential.
The campus is located at the intersection of North Albert Pike Avenue and Windsor Drive in Fort Smith.
For more information check their website at unioneagles.org or call the school at (479) 783-7327.
At Union older students mentor and develop relationships with younger students, as they do in a family. The mission of Union Christian Academy is to provide an outstanding Christian education centered on a Biblical worldview that encourages all students to reach their highest God-given potential.
The campus is located at the intersection of North Albert Pike Avenue and Windsor Drive in Fort Smith.
For more information check their website at unioneagles.org or call the school at (479) 783-7327.
Christ the King Elementary students enjoy recess at the school. Photo courtesy of Christ the King Elementary School.
FORT SMITH CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The three Fort Smith Catholic Schools have a rich history of quality education in the River Valley. Combined, Immaculate Conception School, Christ the King School and Trinity Catholic School represent almost 200 years of educational excellence.
Fort Smith Catholic Schools provide a safe environment and quality education in a faith-based setting. Each has a distinctive culture, dynamic student population, and a deep sense of tradition and legacy.
Opened in 1930, Immaculate Conception (IC) School was the first elementary school in Fort Smith, public or private, to be named a National Blue Ribbon School. Serving children in grades preschool through fifth grade, IC stands proudly in the heart of Fort Smith, where it serves a student body of roughly 350 students, both in the classroom and through a range of extracurricular activities.
Christ the King Catholic School is committed to supporting the development of the whole child while providing the highest-quality Christ-centered education. The school offers small class sizes in core subjects as well as Spanish, music, P.E., art and technology for all students eighteen months through fifth grade. The school was the first private school in the state designated a Purple Star School in support of military families.
Established by the Sisters of Mercy and Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, Trinity Catholic School opened with a vision of providing academic, spiritual and character development in an atmosphere promoting greatness.
Open to students in sixth through eighth grades, Trinity provides a challenging academic curriculum as well as a wide variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities.
Immaculate Conception: 223 So. 14th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 479-783-6798
Christ the King: 1918 S. Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 479-782-0614
Trinity Catholic: 1205 S Albert Pike, Fort Smith, AR 72903, 479-782-2451
Fort Smith Catholic Schools provide a safe environment and quality education in a faith-based setting. Each has a distinctive culture, dynamic student population, and a deep sense of tradition and legacy.
Opened in 1930, Immaculate Conception (IC) School was the first elementary school in Fort Smith, public or private, to be named a National Blue Ribbon School. Serving children in grades preschool through fifth grade, IC stands proudly in the heart of Fort Smith, where it serves a student body of roughly 350 students, both in the classroom and through a range of extracurricular activities.
Christ the King Catholic School is committed to supporting the development of the whole child while providing the highest-quality Christ-centered education. The school offers small class sizes in core subjects as well as Spanish, music, P.E., art and technology for all students eighteen months through fifth grade. The school was the first private school in the state designated a Purple Star School in support of military families.
Established by the Sisters of Mercy and Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, Trinity Catholic School opened with a vision of providing academic, spiritual and character development in an atmosphere promoting greatness.
Open to students in sixth through eighth grades, Trinity provides a challenging academic curriculum as well as a wide variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities.
Immaculate Conception: 223 So. 14th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 479-783-6798
Christ the King: 1918 S. Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 479-782-0614
Trinity Catholic: 1205 S Albert Pike, Fort Smith, AR 72903, 479-782-2451
Founded in 1853, First Lutheran School has been providing a Christ centered education for over 150 years.
1st LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Families looking for a Christ-centered, family-focused, student-driven school for your child will find 1st Lutheran School a willing partner on your family’s educational journey for your 18 month old through Middle School child.
Founded in 1853, the school enjoys a long history of instilling students with the academic and spiritual tools needed to thrive in the world around them. 1st Lutheran believes in educating the whole child, supporting the entire family, and driving instructional decisions based on the needs of the students. The focus is to prepare students for the next step of their educational journey, wherever that may lead.
Students are grounded daily in a Christ-centered worldview that includes worship, Gospel teachings, daily prayer, and selfless acts of caring. Through this, students develop the moral character to guide them through any challenge in life, as well as the compassion and love to serve others in the classrooms, their families, and throughout the greater community.
1st Lutheran School also offers an elementary aged summer care program which includes off-campus field trips. The early childhood program is offered on a full year, academic year, or summer only basis.
Schedule your tour today by calling the school office at 479-452-5330. The campus is located at 2407 Massard Road in Fort Smith.
Founded in 1853, the school enjoys a long history of instilling students with the academic and spiritual tools needed to thrive in the world around them. 1st Lutheran believes in educating the whole child, supporting the entire family, and driving instructional decisions based on the needs of the students. The focus is to prepare students for the next step of their educational journey, wherever that may lead.
Students are grounded daily in a Christ-centered worldview that includes worship, Gospel teachings, daily prayer, and selfless acts of caring. Through this, students develop the moral character to guide them through any challenge in life, as well as the compassion and love to serve others in the classrooms, their families, and throughout the greater community.
1st Lutheran School also offers an elementary aged summer care program which includes off-campus field trips. The early childhood program is offered on a full year, academic year, or summer only basis.
Schedule your tour today by calling the school office at 479-452-5330. The campus is located at 2407 Massard Road in Fort Smith.
GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Greenwood School District is home to just over 3700 students, 400 faculty members, and a host of community supporters.
Here are just a few bits of information we would like to share with you:
Mission Statement
It is the mission of Greenwood Public Schools to provide a quality education for all students in a safe and nurturing environment. Through active community involvement, we are endeavoring to prepare our students to become responsible citizens, and to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Here are just a few bits of information we would like to share with you:
- Greenwood students averaged 23.7 on the ACT which is above the State and National Averages.
- 61% of Greenwood High School students taking AP courses scored a 3 or 4 on the end of course exam.
- East Pointe Elementary and Greenwood Jr High were Top 5 Performing Schools in the State.
- East Hills Middle Schools was a Top 10 Performing School in the State.
- Westwood and East Pointe Elementary Schools earned the distinction of a Lighthouse School from the Franklin Covey Foundation.
- Greenwood Students scored in the top 5 schools for math and literacy on the ACT Aspire exam.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of Greenwood Public Schools to provide a quality education for all students in a safe and nurturing environment. Through active community involvement, we are endeavoring to prepare our students to become responsible citizens, and to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Montessori middle school students participate in Montessori Model UN each February in New York City.
THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FORT SMITH
The mission of The Montessori School of Fort Smith is to cultivate a joyful learning experience that empowers students to be independent problem solvers.
The Montessori School was founded in 1969 and is the only non-sectarian private school in Fort Smith.The Montessori system of education was created by Dr. Maria Montessori in the late 19th/early 20th century. She designed the curriculum and structure to meet the developmental and learning needs of children. Work is completed using manipulative materials that provide for a multi-sensory and concrete learning experience. In addition to the academics, Montessori focuses on the social and emotional development of children and helping them grow into the people they are meant to be.
Children work where they are for who they are; thus allowing children who learn quickly to move through the curriculum while children who need more time to reach mastery have that time. This process means that each child receives an individualized education.
The Montessori School serves children ages 3-12, with a middle-school program re-opening in fall of 2023. For more information visit our website: fsmontessori.com or call (479) 646-7225. The school is located at 3908 Jenny Lind Road.
SUBIACO ACADEMY
We are an international Benedictine boarding/day school for young men in grades 7-12 located in the foothills of the Ouachita mountains of Arkansas, USA. Subiaco Academy is a boarding and day school for young men in grades seven through twelve. The school, founded in 1887, is an educational apostolate of the Benedictine monks at Subiaco Abbey. Located on the Abbey's 1,800 acres of farmland, the school is nestled against the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in the Arkansas River Valley, which offers many opportunities for outdoor activities.
Subiaco is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, National Catholic Education Association, Midwest Boarding Schools, Catholic Boarding Schools Association, and The Association of Boarding Schools.
Subiaco is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, National Catholic Education Association, Midwest Boarding Schools, Catholic Boarding Schools Association, and The Association of Boarding Schools.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Welcome to the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas! We combine a rigorous college prep program with pre-professional training in the arts. ICA offers programs in dance, film, music, theatre, creative writing, culinary, and visual art.
The Institute, sponsored by Community School of the Arts, will be housed in the new Center for the Creative Arts facility on a beautiful 10 acre campus located at 1101 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith. The state-of-the-art Center includes music rehearsal halls, recording studio, digital media labs, film room, culinary space, dance studios, classroom spaces, a Blackbox theatre, and a 350 seat performance theatre.
Our students spend half of their school day in art classes and half of their day in academics. Professional artist-teachers work daily with the students to train, coach, and prepare each student for the next level and beyond. Not only are students becoming excellent artists, but they are also building life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communication, and time management, all within a nurturing, creative, and safe environment.
ICA is designed for any Arkansas resident student entering grades 9-12. The high school will open in August 2024 with students entering grades 9-11. Grade 12 will be added in the fall of 2025. The school day will run from 8am-4pm.
Our mission is “Empowering students through an intensive arts and academic curriculum that prepares them for higher education, creative careers, and to become future leaders in the performing and visual arts industries.”
This kind of school produces students who love to be there, do well in their grades, and virtually all of them graduate from high school. Many students go on to Broadway, television, film, dance, art, and other major arts fields, while some become doctors, lawyers, or corporate leaders.
Enrollment is open. Students interested in registering or finding out more about ICA may visit https://www.icafortsmith.org. For more information, contact the ICA office at 479-434-
2114, email info@icafortsmith.org, or contact Dr. Rosilee Russell at rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org.
The Institute, sponsored by Community School of the Arts, will be housed in the new Center for the Creative Arts facility on a beautiful 10 acre campus located at 1101 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith. The state-of-the-art Center includes music rehearsal halls, recording studio, digital media labs, film room, culinary space, dance studios, classroom spaces, a Blackbox theatre, and a 350 seat performance theatre.
Our students spend half of their school day in art classes and half of their day in academics. Professional artist-teachers work daily with the students to train, coach, and prepare each student for the next level and beyond. Not only are students becoming excellent artists, but they are also building life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communication, and time management, all within a nurturing, creative, and safe environment.
ICA is designed for any Arkansas resident student entering grades 9-12. The high school will open in August 2024 with students entering grades 9-11. Grade 12 will be added in the fall of 2025. The school day will run from 8am-4pm.
Our mission is “Empowering students through an intensive arts and academic curriculum that prepares them for higher education, creative careers, and to become future leaders in the performing and visual arts industries.”
This kind of school produces students who love to be there, do well in their grades, and virtually all of them graduate from high school. Many students go on to Broadway, television, film, dance, art, and other major arts fields, while some become doctors, lawyers, or corporate leaders.
Enrollment is open. Students interested in registering or finding out more about ICA may visit https://www.icafortsmith.org. For more information, contact the ICA office at 479-434-
2114, email info@icafortsmith.org, or contact Dr. Rosilee Russell at rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org.
HAAS HALL ACADEMY
Achieve Academic Excellence in Fort Smith
Established in 2004, Haas Hall Academy has distinguished itself as a premier tuition-free institution offering an advanced college preparatory curriculum for scholars in grades 7-12. As the state’s pioneering open-enrollment charter high school, we pride ourselves on our rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence. Our accreditation by AdvancED and the Arkansas Department of Education stands as a testament to our educational quality.
Expanding Horizons: Our Growing Community
Responding to the economic growth in Fort Smith, Haas Hall Academy expanded its reach to the River Valley in August of 2023 with a campus located on the fourth floor of the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center in South Fort Smith. This campus eagerly anticipates celebrating its first graduating class—the Class of 2025.
Our Educational Philosophy: Preparing Scholars for Future Success
Since our inception, Haas Hall Academy’s core mission has been to equip scholars with the tools and knowledge needed for collegiate success. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to not only educate but to challenge and inspire our students, preparing them thoroughly for their academic journeys ahead. For the past 12 years, our commitment to excellence has been recognized by consistently ranking as the No. 1 public high school in Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report. Each Haas Hall campus embraces a unique character, welcoming scholars from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing the value of choice in education, we cater to students from across the community, including those who travel from surrounding communities to join our institution.
Joining Our Community: Admissions Process
Admission to Haas Hall Academy is conducted through our annual anonymous Admissions Lottery drawing, ensuring a fair and equitable selection process. Applications are open from September through February for the upcoming academic year, with the lottery drawing held in late February. We also accept Waiting List applications from March to July.
Experience Haas Hall Academy: Visit and Engage
We welcome families to explore our campuses and experience the Haas Hall Academy spirit firsthand. Opportunities include Open Houses each fall, Scheduled Tours throughout the year, and our unique Shadow A Scholar program available from September to May.
Stay Connected with Haas Hall Academy
For more detailed information, visit our website at www.haashall.org or reach out to us at admissions@haashall.org. Discover how Haas Hall Academy can be the right choice for your scholar’s educational journey!
Established in 2004, Haas Hall Academy has distinguished itself as a premier tuition-free institution offering an advanced college preparatory curriculum for scholars in grades 7-12. As the state’s pioneering open-enrollment charter high school, we pride ourselves on our rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence. Our accreditation by AdvancED and the Arkansas Department of Education stands as a testament to our educational quality.
Expanding Horizons: Our Growing Community
Responding to the economic growth in Fort Smith, Haas Hall Academy expanded its reach to the River Valley in August of 2023 with a campus located on the fourth floor of the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center in South Fort Smith. This campus eagerly anticipates celebrating its first graduating class—the Class of 2025.
Our Educational Philosophy: Preparing Scholars for Future Success
Since our inception, Haas Hall Academy’s core mission has been to equip scholars with the tools and knowledge needed for collegiate success. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to not only educate but to challenge and inspire our students, preparing them thoroughly for their academic journeys ahead. For the past 12 years, our commitment to excellence has been recognized by consistently ranking as the No. 1 public high school in Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report. Each Haas Hall campus embraces a unique character, welcoming scholars from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing the value of choice in education, we cater to students from across the community, including those who travel from surrounding communities to join our institution.
Joining Our Community: Admissions Process
Admission to Haas Hall Academy is conducted through our annual anonymous Admissions Lottery drawing, ensuring a fair and equitable selection process. Applications are open from September through February for the upcoming academic year, with the lottery drawing held in late February. We also accept Waiting List applications from March to July.
Experience Haas Hall Academy: Visit and Engage
We welcome families to explore our campuses and experience the Haas Hall Academy spirit firsthand. Opportunities include Open Houses each fall, Scheduled Tours throughout the year, and our unique Shadow A Scholar program available from September to May.
Stay Connected with Haas Hall Academy
For more detailed information, visit our website at www.haashall.org or reach out to us at admissions@haashall.org. Discover how Haas Hall Academy can be the right choice for your scholar’s educational journey!
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Need more information on education from Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce? Please link on the link below to request more information.