Summary:
This analysis examines three public middle schools (Grades 6-8) in zip code 70785 (Walker, LA), all part of the highly-ranked Livingston Parish school district, offering a mix of standout performers and schools with unique strengths.
North Corbin Junior High School is the clear academic leader, ranking 71st out of 452 schools in Louisiana with a 4-star rating. It outperforms both the district and state averages across all core subjects, with 78% proficiency in Math, 85% in ELA, and 69% in Social Studies. In contrast, Walker Junior High is the lowest-ranked school in the area (222nd out of 452) and the only one with a 2-star rating, struggling significantly in general Math (46% proficiency). However, it has a remarkable bright spot: 100% of its students taking Algebra I are proficient, far exceeding district (78%) and state (65%) averages. Westside Junior High School is the most consistent performer, maintaining a 4-star rating for two consecutive years and showing steady improvement. It matches the district average in Math (73%) and is close in ELA (80% vs. 81% district), making it a reliable option.
Key metrics reveal interesting dynamics. North Corbin has the highest student-teacher ratio (17.4:1) but the best performance, suggesting instructional quality outweighs class size. Chronic absenteeism is a key differentiator: Walker Junior High has the highest rate (18.1%) and lowest performance, while North Corbin has the lowest rate (14.2%) and highest performance. All three schools have high free/reduced lunch percentages (70-82%), but North Corbin and Westside achieve strong results despite this challenge. Across all schools, 8th-grade Math is a consistent weak point, while 8th-grade Social Studies is a relative strength, with Westside (79%) and North Corbin (75%) performing exceptionally well.
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