Summary:
This analysis examines three middle schools in Slidell, Louisiana (zip code 70458), all part of the highly rated St. Tammany Parish school district, which serves grades 4 through 8 across these institutions.
Clearwood Junior High School is the standout performer in this area, earning a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranking 171st out of 452 schools statewide—significantly higher than its local peers. It leads in academic proficiency across all subjects, with 67% in math, 74% in ELA, and 67% in social studies, all exceeding or matching district averages. Clearwood also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (19.9%), well below the district (21.2%) and state (22.5%) averages, and has the smallest student-teacher ratio (11.7:1). In contrast, Slidell Junior High School sits in the middle, with a 2-star rating and a notable 21-point drop in math proficiency from 7th to 8th grade (68% to 47%), suggesting a curriculum challenge. St. Tammany Junior High School ranks lowest overall (306th) with a 1-star rating, but presents a fascinating paradox: its Algebra I End-of-Course exam proficiency is an exceptional 99%, far exceeding the district (78%) and state (65%) averages, indicating a highly effective advanced math program for select students.
Key metrics reveal stark differences: St. Tammany has the highest free/reduced lunch rate (71.28%) and chronic absenteeism (35.0%), while Clearwood has the lowest in both categories (53.25% and 19.9%, respectively). Dropout rates are low across all schools (0.4% to 1.9%), well below district and state averages. For parents, Clearwood offers the most consistent, high-quality education across all grades and subjects, while St. Tammany excels in advanced math for a subset of students. Slidell Junior High provides a middle-ground option but requires attention to its 8th-grade math performance.
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