Needs Improvement
#1279 of 1,288 schools in LA
Ponchatoula High School
High School · Tangipahoa Parish
19452 Highway 22 East, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Enrollment
2,254
Student-Teacher
19.8:1
Score
3.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,254
Student-Teacher
19.8:1
Score
3.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ponchatoula
#7 of 7
public schools
Louisiana high schools
#261 of 263
In district
#32 of 32
Tangipahoa Parish
About Ponchatoula High School
Ponchatoula High School serves 2,254 students in grades 9-12 in rural Tangipahoa Parish, making it one of the larger high schools in Louisiana. With 114 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.8:1, providing reasonable class sizes for individualized attention. Academically, Ponchatoula High School has room for growth, with 45% of students performing at or above proficient levels in English Language Arts and 34% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics.
The school ranks 688th out of 1,290 Louisiana high schools, placing it in the 47th percentile statewide. These results reflect opportunities for continued academic development and support for student achievement. The school draws from a stable community where the median household income reaches $65,355 and home values average $202,500.
With a relatively low poverty rate of 11.7%, families in the area demonstrate economic stability, though only 19% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting potential for increased educational attainment. Located at 19452 Highway 22 East, Ponchatoula High School sits in a rural setting that offers students a close-knit community atmosphere while remaining accessible to the broader Tangipahoa Parish region. The school serves as an important educational hub for families seeking comprehensive high school programming in this growing Louisiana parish.
What Parents Should Know
Ponchatoula High School is a large school with 2,254 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Located in a rural area, Ponchatoula High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Ponchatoula High School — Students at Ponchatoula High School score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)
Based on 10 test records from LA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.8/10.
How Ponchatoula High School Compares
See how Ponchatoula High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 26% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 70% (2019) to 29% (2025).
Location
19452 Highway 22 East, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ponchatoula High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Springfield High School (rated 7.2/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Springfield), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Hammond), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hammond High Magnet School (rated 4.8/10, 5.6 miles away, in nearby Hammond), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ponchatoula, see our Ponchatoula schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 70454 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,560
Median Home Value
$219,500
Median Rent
$1,124/mo
Population
33,220
College Educated
20.7%
Homeownership
82.8%
Avg Commute
31.4 min
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Median Age
38.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ponchatoula High School has a median household income of $70,560. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $219,500, with a median rent of $1,124/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.2%. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| East Jefferson High School Metairie, LA | 3.2 |
| West Jefferson High School Harvey, LA | 2.5 |
| Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School Kenner, LA | 3.8 |
| Captain Shreve High School Shreveport, LA | 4.0 |
| Acadiana High School Lafayette, LA | 4.2 |
| Terrebonne High School Houma, LA | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ponchatoula High School
What grades does Ponchatoula High School serve?
Ponchatoula High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Ponchatoula High School?
Ponchatoula High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,254 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponchatoula High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ponchatoula High School is 19.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ponchatoula High School rank in LA?
Ponchatoula High School is ranked #1279 out of 1,288 schools in LA.
What is Ponchatoula High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ponchatoula High School has a composite rating of 3.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ponchatoula High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ponchatoula High School has 37.8% math proficiency and 46.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ponchatoula High School a charter school?
No, Ponchatoula High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ponchatoula High School a Title I school?
No, Ponchatoula High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ponchatoula High School?
51.0% of students at Ponchatoula High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,254
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 114
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Tangipahoa Parish
- Phone
- (985) 386-3514
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tangipahoa Parish- District Enrollment
- 20,513
- Schools in District
- 33
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,808
- District Rank
- #32 of 32
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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