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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

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

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.8Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-6.04 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26%
Reading/ELA Proficiency29%
Math vs. State Avg-10.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.4 pts
Overall Proficiency28%
Expected (poverty-adj.)52%
vs. Expected-24.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
College Readiness2.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation3.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,458

Ponchatoula High School — Students at Ponchatoula High School score 28% 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 37.8%
School
State
36.1%
ELA Proficiency 46.0%
School
State
44.4%

Based on 10 test records from LA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
62%
ELA
70%
2021*
Math
29%
ELA
40%
2022
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2025
Math
26%
ELA
29%

* 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.

Overall Score
3.0/10
1th percentile in LA
Academic
4.2/10
4.2/10
Growth
3.8/10
Below average
Environment
2.1/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
114 teachers

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 mi
School Distance Rating
Martha Vinyard Elementary School Ponchatoula 0.4 mi 4.1
D.C. Reeves Elementary School Ponchatoula 1.9 mi 5.7
Tucker Memorial Elementary School Ponchatoula 2.0 mi 4.1
Ponchatoula Junior High School Ponchatoula 2.2 mi 7.8
Perrin Early Learning Center Ponchatoula 2.6 mi 4.0
OAKS MONTESSORI SCHOOL Hammond 4.4 mi 8.1
Woodland Park Magnet Hammond 4.9 mi 4.8
Hammond Eastside Magnet Hammond 5.3 mi 7.3
Hammond High Magnet School Hammond 5.6 mi 4.8
Champ Cooper Elementary School Ponchatoula 5.1 mi 5.7
Greenville Park Leadership Academy Hammond 5.8 mi 5.5
HOLY GHOST SCHOOL Hammond 6.1 mi 5.7
Hammond Westside Montessori Hammond 6.2 mi 7.9
Southeastern LA University Lab School Hammond 6.8 mi 7.9
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 6.9
Midway Elementary School Tickfaw 9.6 mi 6.3
Springfield Elementary School Springfield 9.0 mi 7.1
Springfield High School Springfield 9.0 mi 7.2

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

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,428/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Ponchatoula). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

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