Summary:
Zip code 71280 is home to one school, Sterlington Elementary School, a large PK-5 institution serving 800 students in the Ouachita Parish school district. This school is a clear academic standout, consistently outperforming both the district and state averages in every tested subject for the 2025-2026 school year, including 75% proficiency in Mathematics (vs. 64% district and 62% state) and 82% proficiency in English Language Arts (vs. 75% district and 70% state). Its state ranking places it in the top 20% of all Louisiana elementary schools, earning a 4-star rating and peaking at the 89th percentile in the 2023-2024 school year.
Key metrics reveal a school that excels despite economic challenges, with 44.62% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, and the chronic absenteeism rate of 8.8% is a standout metric—less than half the district rate of 18.5% and dramatically lower than the state average of 22.5%. This strong attendance culture is likely a key contributor to the school's high academic performance. While the school's state ranking has slipped slightly from the 89th to the 80th percentile over three years, it remains an elite institution in the top 20% statewide.
An interesting finding is a "5th grade slump" in Social Studies, where proficiency drops sharply to 56% compared to 75% in 3rd grade and 74% in 4th grade—the only subject where the school matches rather than exceeds the district average. This suggests a potential area for instructional focus in upper elementary grades. Overall, Sterlington Elementary School demonstrates consistent academic dominance, high performance despite economic disadvantage, and a model for attendance, making it a top-tier choice for families in the area.
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