Morehouse Magnet School

Morehouse Magnet School in Bastrop, LA, is a small public school serving 284 students in grades PK through 12 within the Morehouse Parish school district, and it stands out as an academic powerhouse with exceptionally high test scores that far exceed local and state averages.

This school achieves remarkable results: 99% of students are proficient in math and 93% in English Language Arts, compared to district averages of 30% and 41%, respectively. In end-of-course exams, Morehouse Magnet School posts perfect 100% proficiency in Algebra I and Biology, while nearby Beekman Charter School scores 65% and 55% in those subjects. The school also boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of 12.2%, far better than the district's 31.4% and Beekman Charter's 39.5%. With a student-teacher ratio of 11.8:1, students receive more individualized attention, which likely contributes to their success. The school has maintained a 0.0% dropout rate for four consecutive years, reflecting a highly engaged and supported student body.

One interesting note: Morehouse Magnet School is classified as an "Alternative" school, but its performance mirrors that of a selective magnet program, making this label potentially misleading. Additionally, free/reduced lunch data shows a sudden jump from about 5% in 2023-2024 to 72% in 2024-2025, which likely reflects a change in meal program reporting rather than a demographic shift. Overall, this school is an island of excellence in the district, offering a rigorous academic environment with consistent, top-tier results.