Summary:
This analysis examines two middle schools in zip code 71292 (West Monroe, LA), both part of the Ouachita Parish school district, serving grades 6-8 with vastly different academic profiles.
Woodlawn Middle School is the clear standout, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 67th percentile statewide. It significantly outperforms both Riser Middle School and district/state averages, with 76% proficiency in Math and 77% in ELA compared to Riser's 43% and 56%. Woodlawn's 8th graders are its strongest performers (76% Math, 76% ELA, 66% Social Studies), while Riser's 8th graders are its weakest (39% ELA, 29% Social Studies). A striking anomaly: both schools achieved a perfect 100% proficiency rate on the Algebra I End-of-Course exam, suggesting the students taking this course are a highly advanced group. Woodlawn has a lower poverty rate (59.44% free/reduced lunch) compared to Riser (80.98%), and a much lower dropout rate (0.5% vs. 1.6%).
Despite their academic differences, both schools share a systemic problem with chronic absenteeism—24.3% at Riser and 23.5% at Woodlawn—both above the state average of 22.5% and the district average of 18.5%. This indicates a community-wide attendance challenge in zip code 71292. Riser Middle School, with a 1-star rating for three consecutive years, faces significant academic struggles across all subjects, and its 1.6% dropout rate is a critical early warning sign of student disengagement. For parents, Woodlawn Middle School offers strong, consistent academic performance, while Riser Middle School presents considerable challenges that may require additional support and intervention.
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