Summary:
In zip code 71497 (Natchitoches, LA), there is one middle school, N.S.U. Middle Lab School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and is part of the Natchitoches Parish school district.
N.S.U. Middle Lab School is a standout institution, consistently ranking among the top middle schools in Louisiana. It has earned a 5-star rating for three consecutive years and currently ranks 11th out of 452 schools statewide, placing it in the 98th percentile. The school achieves exceptional academic results, with proficiency rates in core subjects like math and English language arts often exceeding 90%, dramatically outperforming both district and state averages. For example, 7th-grade math proficiency is 99%, compared to the district's 67% and the state's 65%. The school also excels in student well-being, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 7.7%—roughly one-third of the state average—and a very low dropout rate of 0.8%.
What makes this performance particularly impressive is that the school serves a student body where 43% qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic disadvantage. This suggests highly effective teaching and a supportive school culture. The school's affiliation with Northwestern State University, as a "lab school," likely provides unique resources and innovative approaches. While the Natchitoches Parish district itself is strong, ranking in the top 20% of Louisiana districts, N.S.U. Middle Lab School still dramatically outperforms its own district, making it a true center of excellence in the area.
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