Very Good
#237 of 1,288 schools in LA
Top 18% in state
Ponchatoula Junior High School
Middle School · Tangipahoa Parish
315 East Oak Street, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
7.8
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
7.8
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ponchatoula
#1 of 7
public schools
Louisiana middle schools
#77 of 219
In district
#3 of 32
Tangipahoa Parish
Academic performance
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Ponchatoula Junior High School
Ponchatoula Junior High School serves grades 7 and 8 in the small suburban community of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The school enrolls 747 students with a student-teacher ratio of 18.2:1 and a dedicated faculty of 41 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Ponchatoula Junior High is working to strengthen student performance across the board.
The school's combined proficiency rate stands at 26% proficient or above, with reading showing stronger results at 49% proficient or above, while math proficiency sits at 29%. These metrics indicate an area where the school is focusing on student growth and development. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 5.1/10 reflects these academic challenges, and it ranks #767 out of 1,290 schools statewide—positioning it in the 41st percentile for Louisiana schools.
For families considering Ponchatoula Junior High, the school offers a small-town suburban setting where teachers know their students and community connections are strong. The manageable class sizes and engaged staff suggest a foundation for improvement, making this a school to watch as it continues to support student learning and achievement.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ponchatoula Junior High School — Students at Ponchatoula Junior High School score 90% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)
Based on 16 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: 9.3/10.
How Ponchatoula Junior High School Compares
See how Ponchatoula Junior High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 97% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 69% (2019) to 84% (2025).
Location
315 East Oak Street, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ponchatoula Junior High School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Springfield Middle School (rated 7.3/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Springfield), with a comparable rating. Another option is Natalbany Middle (rated 6.9/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Tickfaw), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Greenville Park Leadership Academy (rated 5.5/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby Hammond), a more accessible option. For more schools in Ponchatoula, see our Ponchatoula schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.5 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 Junior 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 |
|---|---|
| Greenacres Middle School Bossier City, LA | 7.8 |
| Lake Harbor Middle School Mandeville, LA | 7.8 |
| Madisonville Junior High School Madisonville, LA | 7.8 |
| T.H. Harris Middle School Metairie, LA | 7.8 |
| Walker Junior High Walker, LA | 7.8 |
| Belle Chasse Middle School Belle Chasse, LA | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ponchatoula Junior High School
What grades does Ponchatoula Junior High School serve?
Ponchatoula Junior High School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Ponchatoula Junior High School?
Ponchatoula Junior High School has an enrollment of approximately 747 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ponchatoula Junior High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ponchatoula Junior High School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ponchatoula Junior High School rank in LA?
Ponchatoula Junior High School is ranked #237 out of 1,288 schools in LA.
What is Ponchatoula Junior High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ponchatoula Junior High School has a composite rating of 7.8 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 Junior High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ponchatoula Junior High School has 36.8% math proficiency and 47.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ponchatoula Junior High School a charter school?
No, Ponchatoula Junior High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ponchatoula Junior High School a Title I school?
No, Ponchatoula Junior High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ponchatoula Junior High School?
60.0% of students at Ponchatoula Junior 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Ponchatoula). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 747
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- County
- Tangipahoa Parish
- Phone
- (985) 370-5322
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tangipahoa Parish- District Enrollment
- 20,513
- Schools in District
- 33
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,808
- District Rank
- #3 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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