Summary:
Zip code 71430, covering Forest Hill, LA, is home to a single school, Forest Hill Junior High School, which serves grades PK through 8 and is part of the Rapides Parish school district.
Forest Hill Junior High School stands out for achieving strong academic results despite serving a high-poverty student population, with nearly 87% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. The school's overall proficiency rates are at or above state averages in core subjects, with 63% proficient in Math, 71% in English Language Arts, and 59% in Social Studies. A particularly notable strength is in the upper grades, where 8th graders significantly outperform both the district and state in Math (63% vs. 59% district and 52% state) and Social Studies (77% vs. 68% district and 61% state). The school also avoids the typical "middle school slump," maintaining strong performance through 8th grade. However, early-grade performance is mixed, with 4th-grade Math being a standout at 86% proficiency (19 points above the state average), while 3rd and 4th-grade Social Studies lag behind state averages.
The school excels in student engagement metrics, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 11.7%—far lower than the district (17.5%) and state (22.5%)—and a 0% dropout rate. Its state ranking has shown recent recovery, moving from a 2-star rating in 2024-2025 back to a 3-star rating in 2025-2026. Overall, Forest Hill Junior High School demonstrates that effective teaching and a supportive environment can drive strong academic outcomes, even in challenging socioeconomic conditions.
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