The Arkansas School Recognition (ASR) program provides financial awards to public schools that experience high student performance, student academic growth, and for secondary schools, a high graduation rate.

Arkansas State Code Ann. §6-15-2107 authorizes rewards of an amount up to $100 per student who attends a public school that ranks in the top 5% of all Arkansas public schools in student performance or student academic growth.  Also, the state awards up to $50 per student to public schools between the top 5% and the next 5% (schools in the top 6-10%) of all public schools in Arkansas for student performance or academic growth.  Student performance and academic growth include high school graduation rates for secondary schools under criteria set forth by the State Board of Education.  

In the 2023-2024 school year, two Fort Smith Public Schools (Woods Elementary and Chaffin Middle School) received ASR funding for outstanding performance.  Fort Smith Public Schools received $141,200.00 from the ASR Funding.

Program Contact:

Caroline Neel
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Programs 
479.784.8182, Ext. 73542
cneel@fortsmithschools.org