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Below Average

#1156 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

4.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Louisiana schools

#1,156 of 1,288

In Ponchatoula

#4 of 7

public schools

In district

#23 of 32

Tangipahoa Parish

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Ponchatoula High School

4.2/10

High School in Ponchatoula · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Martha Vinyard Elementary School

3.6/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

D.c. Reeves Elementary School

4.6/10

1.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Ponchatoula High School

Ponchatoula High School is a public high school in Ponchatoula, LA, part of Tangipahoa Parish. Ponchatoula High School serves approximately 2,254 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Ponchatoula High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,156 of 1,288 schools in LA.

Structured state assessment records for Ponchatoula High School show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.7
  • LA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Ponchatoula High School is a large school: 2,254 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Ponchatoula High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

37% of students at Ponchatoula High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.8Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.74 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27% (2025 LEAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency45% (2025 LEAP)
Math vs. State Avg-9.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.6 pts
Overall Proficiency36% (2025 LEAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2025 LEAP)
vs. Expected-16.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness4.3Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate79%
AP Participation3.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,808
Chronic Absenteeism37%

Ponchatoula High School — Students at Ponchatoula High School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

51%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 56.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
36.1% (2025 LEAP)
ELA Proficiency 67.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
44.4% (2025 LEAP)

Based on 32 test records from LA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
81%
ELA
75%
2010
Math
74%
ELA
65%
2011
Math
83%
ELA
91%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
80%
2013
Math
63%
ELA
78%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
75%
2015
Math
61%
ELA
81%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
83%
2017
Math
71%
ELA
74%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
70%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
70%
2020*
Math
29%
ELA
40%
2021*
Math
29%
ELA
40%
2022
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2025
Math
27%
ELA
45%

* 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: 4.8/10.

How Ponchatoula High School Compares

See how Ponchatoula High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
10th percentile in LA
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
4.8/10
Below Average
Environment
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.1
Sports
20
10 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
114 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
3.3% participation·State avg: 2.1 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
10 boys'·10 girls'·20 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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 6.7/10, 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 4.5/10, 5.6 miles away, in nearby Hammond), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Ponchatoula, see our Ponchatoula schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Martha Vinyard Elementary School Ponchatoula 0.4 mi 3.6
D.C. Reeves Elementary School Ponchatoula 1.9 mi 4.6
Tucker Memorial Elementary School Ponchatoula 2.0 mi 4.1
Ponchatoula Junior High School Ponchatoula 2.2 mi 6.9
Perrin Early Learning Center Ponchatoula 2.6 mi 4.1
OAKS MONTESSORI SCHOOL Hammond 4.4 mi 8.1
Woodland Park Magnet Hammond 4.9 mi 3.5
Hammond Eastside Magnet Hammond 5.3 mi 8.1
Hammond High Magnet School Hammond 5.6 mi 4.5
Champ Cooper Elementary School Ponchatoula 5.1 mi 5.9
Greenville Park Leadership Academy Hammond 5.8 mi 3.9
HOLY GHOST SCHOOL Hammond 6.1 mi 5.7
Hammond Westside Montessori Hammond 6.2 mi 7.7
Southeastern LA University Lab School Hammond 6.8 mi 7.0
TRAFTON ACADEMY AT HAMMOND Hammond 8.1 mi 6.6
ST THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hammond 8.1 mi 6.1
Natalbany Middle Tickfaw 8.7 mi 5.1
Midway Elementary School Tickfaw 9.6 mi 3.6
Springfield Elementary School Springfield 9.0 mi 5.8
Springfield High School Springfield 9.0 mi 6.7

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Woodlawn High School Baton Rouge, LA 4.1
Acadiana High School Lafayette, LA 4.4
Hammond High Magnet School Hammond, LA 4.5
Slidell High School Slidell, LA 4.5
East St. John High School Reserve, LA 3.7
Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School Kenner, LA 3.6

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 ranks #1,156 of 1,288 schools in LA.

What is Ponchatoula High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ponchatoula High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Ponchatoula High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ponchatoula High School has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.0%
4-Year Graduation
79.0%

District

Tangipahoa Parish
District Enrollment
20,513
Schools in District
33
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,808
District Rank
#23 of 32

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