Middle Schools in Beauregard Parish

An analysis of three middle-level schools in Beauregard Parish, serving grades 4 through 8 with a combined enrollment of 1,026 students, reveals a district that ranks in the 62nd percentile statewide with a 3-star rating.

South Beauregard Upper Elementary School is the standout performer, consistently exceeding district and state averages across all subjects. Its "All Grades" proficiency rates are notably high—86% in English Language Arts and 75% in Mathematics—and it also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (12.2%) and the lowest percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (41.94%) among the three schools. In contrast, Pine Wood Elementary School faces the greatest challenges, with the highest economic disadvantage rate (58.05%) and the lowest academic scores, particularly a severe 38% proficiency rate in Social Studies. DeRidder Junior High School sits in the middle, showing mixed results: strong 7th-grade math and social studies scores, but a notable weakness in 8th-grade Mathematics (42% proficient), which is 10 points below the state average. It is also the only school with a dropout rate (0.3%), though this is very low compared to the state average.

A key takeaway is the clear link between socioeconomic factors and achievement, with South Beauregard's lower poverty levels correlating with higher test scores. All three schools outperform the state average in chronic absenteeism, indicating a district-wide strength in attendance. However, specific areas need attention: DeRidder Junior High's sharp decline in 8th-grade math suggests a curriculum or instruction gap, while Pine Wood's Social Studies scores are a major outlier requiring investigation. South Beauregard's consistent excellence across all grade levels points to a robust educational program from 4th through 6th grade.