Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1258 of 1,288 schools in LA

Start Elementary School

Elementary School · Richland Parish

P.O. Box 146, Start, LA 71279

Enrollment

335

Student-Teacher

17.6:1

Score

3.2

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Louisiana schools

#1,258 of 1,288

In district

#11 of 11

Richland Parish

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Start Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Start Elementary School

3.2/10

Elementary School in Start · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Rayville Elementary School

5.1/10

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

Rayville Junior High School

3.4/10

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

About Start Elementary School

Start Elementary School is a public elementary school in Start, LA, part of Richland Parish. Start Elementary School serves approximately 335 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 17.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Start Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,258 of 1,288 schools in LA.

Structured state assessment records for Start Elementary School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.7 pts below district
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.9
  • LA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Start Elementary 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.4Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.01 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20.3% (2025 LEAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.5% (2025 LEAP)
Math vs. State Avg-15.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-4.4 pts
Overall Proficiency29% (2025 LEAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)56% (model expectation from 2025 LEAP)
vs. Expected-26.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,896
Chronic Absenteeism18.8%

Start Elementary School — Students at Start Elementary School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 46.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
33.2% (2025 LEAP)
ELA Proficiency 51.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 LEAP)

Based on 52 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
78%
ELA
78%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
73%
2013
Math
76%
ELA
70%
2014
Math
73%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
65%
2016
Math
70%
ELA
66%
2017
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2025
Math
20.3%
ELA
38.5%

* 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: 2.4/10.

How Start Elementary School Compares

See how Start Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.2/10
2th percentile in LA
Academic
4.2/10
Below Average
Growth
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.8%

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

P.O. Box 146, Start, LA 71279

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Start Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mangham Elementary School (rated 5.9/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Mangham), which scores notably higher. Another option is Swartz Lower Elementary School (rated 5.5/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Monroe), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Rayville Elementary School (rated 5.1/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Rayville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Start, see our Start schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Rayville Elementary School Rayville 5.8 mi 5.1
Rayville Junior High School Rayville 6.6 mi 3.4
Rayville High School Rayville 6.6 mi 5.0
Ouachita Parish High School Monroe 7.9 mi 5.5
Swartz Upper Elementary School Monroe 9.5 mi 3.9
Swartz Lower Elementary School Monroe 9.5 mi 5.5
East Ouachita Middle School Monroe 10.5 mi 5.6
Cypress Point Elementary School Monroe 11.0 mi 5.0
Lakeshore School Monroe 11.1 mi 3.6
Mangham Elementary School Mangham 12.8 mi 5.9
Mangham High School Mangham 12.9 mi 6.0
Mangham Junior High School Mangham 12.9 mi 5.0
Ouachita Junior High School Monroe 11.7 mi 6.4
Roy Neal Shelling Sr. Elementary Monroe 12.4 mi 3.4
Sherrouse School Monroe 12.7 mi 4.2
RIVER OAKS SCHOOL Monroe 13.1 mi 8.0
Jack Hayes Elementary School Monroe 13.1 mi 3.8
Shady Grove Elementary School Monroe 13.0 mi 4.6
Carroll Junior High School Monroe 13.3 mi 6.1
Wossman High School Monroe 13.3 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 71279 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Population

68

College Educated

0%

Homeownership

0%

Poverty Rate

100%

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
New Vision Learning Academy Monroe, LA 3.2
Einstein Charter at Sherwood Forest New Orleans, LA 3.1
Riser Elementary School West Monroe, LA 3.4
Roy Neal Shelling Sr. Elementary Monroe, LA 3.4
Einstein Charter School at Village De L'Est New Orleans, LA 3.0
J. S. Clark Elementary School Shreveport, LA 3.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Start Elementary School

What grades does Start Elementary School serve?

Start Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Start Elementary School?

Start Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 335 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Start Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Start Elementary School is 17.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Start Elementary School rank in LA?

Start Elementary School ranks #1,258 of 1,288 schools in LA.

What is Start Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Start Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Start Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Start Elementary School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Start Elementary School a charter school?

No, Start Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Start Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Start Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Start Elementary School?

46.6% of students at Start Elementary 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
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
335
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Richland Parish
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.8%

District

Richland Parish
District Enrollment
2,845
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,896
District Rank
#11 of 11

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.