Summary:
Zip code 71447, serving the Lena, LA area, is home to a single school, Northwood High School, an alternative school within the Rapides Parish district that serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade with a total enrollment of 598 students.
As the only school in the area, Northwood High School stands out for its strong high school performance and a remarkable zero dropout rate, despite serving a high-poverty population where 82.78% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school achieves a graduation rate of 87.9%, which is above the state average, and its End-of-Course exam results are exceptional, with 90% proficiency in Algebra I, 82% in English I, and 72% in Biology—all significantly surpassing district and state averages. However, early elementary grades show a notable weakness, with 3rd grade proficiency in Mathematics at just 41% and Social Studies at 38%, well below state benchmarks. By 6th grade, performance improves dramatically, with 89% proficiency in English Language Arts and 83% in 7th grade Mathematics, suggesting the school effectively helps students catch up as they progress.
Key metrics include a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1, which allows for more individualized attention, and a chronic absenteeism rate of 19.4% that is lower than the state average of 22.5%. The school's alternative model appears highly effective at retaining at-risk students, as evidenced by its 0% dropout rate compared to the district's 2.3% and state's 3.1%. While early grades need support, Northwood High School demonstrates a strong "value-add" approach, turning around student performance by middle and high school, making it a comprehensive educational hub for the community.
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