Best Public Schools in Zip Code 70634

The seven public schools in zip code 70634 (DeRidder, LA) serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade within the Beauregard Parish School District, a 3-star district that ranks in the 62nd percentile statewide. The schools include three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, offering a range of academic environments for families.

The standout performer in the area is East Beauregard Elementary School, the only school with a 3-star rating and top-third state ranking, achieving 76% proficiency in ELA and 64% in Social Studies—well above state averages. In contrast, East Beauregard High School is a major concern, with a 1-star rating, a declining state rank (from 42nd to 26th percentile), and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (24.7%) among schools with data. DeRidder High School has the lowest poverty rate (49.76%) but only a 2-star rating and mediocre test scores, while DeRidder Junior High School outperforms Pine Wood Elementary School academically, especially in Social Studies (58% vs. 38%). K.R. Hanchey Elementary School serves the most economically disadvantaged students (66.86% free/reduced lunch) and has the highest chronic absenteeism (27.2%), despite the smallest class sizes (9.6:1).

Key takeaways include the "East Beauregard paradox," where the elementary school excels but the high school struggles, suggesting a potential feeder problem. Poverty does not dictate performance, as East Beauregard Elementary outperforms more affluent schools like DeRidder Elementary School (61.22% poverty) in nearly every subject. The two middle schools show a trade-off: Pine Wood has the best attendance (13.8% absenteeism) but weaker academics, while DeRidder Junior High has stronger scores but higher absenteeism. Early childhood education at K.R. Hanchey is a critical point, where high absenteeism may undermine the benefits of small class sizes.