ARTHUR F. SMITH MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL

Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School is a Title I public middle school that is part of the Rapides Parish school district, located in Alexandria, LA with about 508 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 29 teachers, Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School, located at 3100 Jones Street in Alexandria, Louisiana, serves as a specialized educational institution within the Rapides Parish School District. As a magnet school, it is designed to provide students with a curriculum that often emphasizes specific academic areas—such as STEM, the arts, or accelerated studies—to foster deeper engagement and prepare students for rigorous high school programs. The school focuses on creating a structured learning environment that promotes both academic achievement and the development of essential life skills during the formative middle school years.

The school is well-integrated into the Alexandria community, acting as a hub for students who are selected or apply based on specific academic criteria or program interests. By offering a distinct educational pathway, Arthur F. Smith aims to challenge its student body through a mix of traditional coursework and enrichment opportunities. Its presence in the local district highlights an ongoing commitment to providing diverse learning choices for families seeking alternatives to traditional neighborhood schools, with a core mission centered on student success and college or career readiness.

For more information, contact Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School at (318) 445-6241 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.