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History of Raymond F. Orr School

Orr elementary building taken in august 1995
polaroid of Orr Elementary

Orr Elementary was established in 1963 to help ease overcrowding in Fort Smith’s elementary schools. This expansion marked a significant step forward for the Fort Smith Public School District, providing much-needed classroom space and reaffirming its commitment to quality education. Named in honor of Raymond F. Orr, a respected School Board President and local business owner, the school quickly became a cornerstone of the community.

For over 60 years, Orr Elementary was known for academic excellence, strong community involvement, and a staff deeply dedicated to serving generations of Fort Smith families. In 2025, the school was reimagined and reopened as Orr Learning Academy, continuing its legacy with a new mission and renewed focus on student success.

students and teacher standing outside smiling at camera
teacher watching student while he uses the computer
a group of Orr students smiling at the camera

Major Milestones in Orr History

  • 1962: The Fort Smith School Board decided to build a new elementary school to alleviate overcrowding at other FSPS elementary schools - especially Beard and Cavanaugh. In July, the Board purchased land on Phoenix Street and by December, the construction contract was awarded to Texarkana Construction Company
  • August 19, 1963: The Board unanimously approved the name Raymond F. Orr Elementary in honor of the late Raymond F. Orr. They also announced that the new school would be ready at the beginning of the 1963-64 school year.
  • September 3, 1963: Orr Elementary officially opened its doors with an initial enrollment of 258 students. The staff included nine faculty members, a secretary, custodian, and three cafeteria workers. Miss Mary Thompson, the principal, also served at Fairview Elementary.
  • 1969-1970: Implementation of a new curriculum focusing on world events and hands-on activities.
  • 1993: The school underwent a major expansion, resulting in 24 total classrooms and a media center capable of housing over 500 books and resource materials.
  • 1996: Orr Elementary was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award, a prestigious national accolade.
  • 2021: The building was renovated to add a secure vestibule, improving safety for students and staff.
  • 2024: The school became the first in Arkansas to earn High Reliability School (HRS) Level 4 certification, showcasing the staff's dedication to creating a culture excellence. 
  • 2024-2025: The Fort Smith School Board voted to close Orr Elementary and reopen it as Orr Learning Academy. Throughout the school year, students were rezoned to nearby elementary schools. Orr Elementary officially closed in May 2025 and reopened as Orr Learning Academy in August 2025.
framed photo of Raymond Orr

Who was Raymond F. Orr?

Raymond F. Orr, a prominent Fort Smith figure, was born and raised in the area. He was well-educated and grew to be a successful businessman and community leader. He owned the Fort Smith Smelter, a major employer for many local residents, and served as president of the Fort Smith School Board, where he played a crucial role in shaping educational policies and supporting local schools. Orr's philanthropic efforts and dedication to improving education had a profound impact on the community, making him highly deserving of having Orr Elementary named in his honor. His legacy continues to stand as a testament to his commitment to education and community service.

Notable People in Orr History

  • Raymond F. Orr: The school's namesake, whose contributions to education and local business had a lasting impact on the Fort Smith community.

  • Miss Mary Thompson: The first principal of Orr Elementary, who also served as principal at Fairview Elementary.

  • Leo Bartlett: Principal who led Orr Elementary for over fifteen years and played a key role in introducing early technological advancements.

  • Leon Bartlett: A long-serving principal who oversaw numerous developments and improvements at the school.

  • Barbara Kell: Long-serving principal known for her dedication to educational excellence and active community engagement.

  • Mrs. John T. Fank: The inaugural PTA President, instrumental in establishing a supportive and effective PTA that contributed significantly to the school's early success.

Discover Our History

Explore the rich history of Orr Learning Academy. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Orr Learning Academy evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

Contribute to Our History

We invite you to share any resources, stories, or photos you may have about Orr Learning Academy. Your contributions help preserve the rich history and legacy of our school. Please contact the District Communications Department. 

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