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Average

#511 of 1,288 schools in LA

Top 40% 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

6.9

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Louisiana schools

#511 of 1,288

In Ponchatoula

#1 of 7

public schools

In district

#5 of 32

Tangipahoa Parish

Academic performance

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Ponchatoula Junior High School

6.9/10

Middle School in Ponchatoula · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Tucker Memorial Elementary School

4.1/10

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

Perrin Early Learning Center

4.1/10

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

About Ponchatoula Junior High School

Ponchatoula Junior High School is a public middle school in Ponchatoula, LA, part of Tangipahoa Parish. Ponchatoula Junior High School serves approximately 747 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Ponchatoula Junior High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #511 of 1,288 schools in LA.

Structured state assessment records for Ponchatoula Junior High School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts above district
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • District avg 5.1
  • LA avg 6.8

What Parents Should Know

35% of students at Ponchatoula Junior 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.4Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.05 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics9.8Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency97% (2025 LEAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency84% (2025 LEAP)
Math vs. State Avg+65.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+40.3 pts
Overall Proficiency91% (2025 LEAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 LEAP)
vs. Expected+44.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,808
Chronic Absenteeism34.8%

Ponchatoula Junior High School — Students at Ponchatoula Junior High School score 90% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

60%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.3% (2025 LEAP)
ELA Proficiency 60.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
44.2% (2025 LEAP)

Based on 38 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
58%
ELA
66%
2010
Math
56%
ELA
66%
2011
Math
63%
ELA
70%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
69%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
74%
2015
Math
56%
ELA
79%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
53%
ELA
69%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
69%
2020*
Math
18%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
18%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
18%
ELA
40%
2025
Math
44.3%
ELA
46.3%

* 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: 7.4/10.

How Ponchatoula Junior High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.9/10
60th percentile in LA
Academic
9.8/10
Excellent
Growth
7.4/10
Very Good
Environment
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.8%

Programs & Offerings

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

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 5.9/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Springfield), with a comparable rating. Another option is Natalbany Middle (rated 5.1/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Tickfaw), a more accessible option. Additionally, Greenville Park Leadership Academy (rated 3.9/10, 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 mi
School Distance Rating
Tucker Memorial Elementary School Ponchatoula 0.1 mi 4.1
Perrin Early Learning Center Ponchatoula 0.5 mi 4.1
D.C. Reeves Elementary School Ponchatoula 0.7 mi 4.6
Ponchatoula High School Ponchatoula 2.2 mi 4.2
Martha Vinyard Elementary School Ponchatoula 2.3 mi 3.6
OAKS MONTESSORI SCHOOL Hammond 3.4 mi 8.1
Woodland Park Magnet Hammond 4.1 mi 3.5
Greenville Park Leadership Academy Hammond 4.6 mi 3.9
Hammond Westside Montessori Hammond 4.5 mi 7.7
HOLY GHOST SCHOOL Hammond 5.1 mi 5.7
Southeastern LA University Lab School Hammond 5.8 mi 7.0
Hammond Eastside Magnet Hammond 6.2 mi 8.1
Hammond High Magnet School Hammond 6.5 mi 4.5
ST THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hammond 7.0 mi 6.1
TRAFTON ACADEMY AT HAMMOND Hammond 7.5 mi 6.6
Springfield Elementary School Springfield 6.8 mi 5.8
Springfield High School Springfield 6.8 mi 6.7
Natalbany Middle Tickfaw 7.8 mi 5.1
Champ Cooper Elementary School Ponchatoula 7.1 mi 5.9
Springfield Middle School Springfield 7.5 mi 5.9

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
Good Hope Middle School West Monroe, LA 6.9
Livaudais Middle School Terrytown, LA 6.9
Youngsville Middle School Youngsville, LA 6.9
Cope Middle School Bossier City, LA 7.0
Elm Grove Middle School Bossier City, LA 7.0
Larose-Cut Off Middle School Larose, LA 7.0

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 ranks #511 of 1,288 schools in LA.

What is Ponchatoula Junior High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ponchatoula Junior High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 Junior High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ponchatoula Junior High School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Bike Score
51 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.8%

District

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

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