Summary:
Zip code 71006 in Benton, Louisiana, is home to two public elementary schools, Kingston Elementary School and Benton Elementary School, both part of the Bossier Parish school district, serving grades PK-5.
Kingston Elementary School is the standout in this area, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 96th-97th percentile statewide. It achieves exceptional academic results, with 90% of students proficient in math and 88% in ELA, far exceeding state averages. Its chronic absenteeism rate is a low 13.5%, and only about 25% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. In contrast, Benton Elementary School is a strong 4-star school ranking in the 85th-88th percentile, with 79% math proficiency and 84% ELA proficiency—still well above state averages. However, Benton has a higher free/reduced lunch rate of 45.55% and a chronic absenteeism rate of 21.3%. Interestingly, Benton has a slightly better student-teacher ratio (14:1) than Kingston (15.2:1), indicating the performance gap is not due to class size.
A key takeaway is the significant performance gap between these two schools in the same zip code, likely influenced by socioeconomic factors and attendance. Both schools excel in 4th grade, with a notable jump in proficiency from 3rd to 4th grade in math and ELA. Despite the gap, Benton Elementary School remains a solid choice, outperforming state averages by 14-17 percentage points. For parents, Kingston offers elite, top-tier performance, while Benton provides a strong, above-average education in a community with more economic diversity.
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