Red River High School

Red River High School in Coushatta, LA, is a small rural school serving 349 students in grades 9-12, with a very high level of economic need (85% free/reduced lunch rate). While the school has historically ranked in the bottom third of Louisiana high schools, it stands out for its impressive graduation rate of 91.5% and a remarkably low dropout rate of 0.0% in 2023-2024, far exceeding the state average of 83.2% for graduation.

One of the most striking findings is the school's chronic absenteeism rate of 26.7%, which is more than double the 12.8% rate at nearby Lakeview Junior/Senior High School and above the state average of 22.5%. Yet, despite this high absenteeism, the school keeps students from dropping out, suggesting a supportive culture that persistently re-engages students. Academically, Red River's proficiency rates in core subjects like English I (56%) and Biology (51%) are slightly below Lakeview's, with a notable gap in U.S. History (35% vs. 38%). The Red River Parish district ranks 85th out of 116 districts, while the Natchitoches Parish district ranks 21st, indicating broader systemic challenges.

Test scores at Red River High School fluctuate significantly year to year, likely due to its small enrollment, making it hard to gauge program effectiveness. However, the school excels at keeping students on track to graduate, a bright spot amid academic struggles. For parents, this school offers a tight-knit environment with strong persistence in student retention, but families should be aware of the high absenteeism and variable academic performance when considering their options.