Ouachita Parish

Ouachita Parish operates 36 schools serving 17,313 students in a suburban Louisiana setting. The district experienced a 4.9% enrollment decline from the prior year, with 1,042 teachers maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16.6:1.

Academically, Ouachita Parish demonstrates performance above state averages. Math proficiency stands at 34.1% compared to Louisiana's 30.3%, while reading proficiency reaches 45.6% against the state average of 39.0%. The graduation rate of 91.6% notably exceeds Louisiana's 85.1% state average.

The student population reflects significant economic challenges, with 66.3% classified as economically disadvantaged. English learners comprise 2.4% of enrollment. Racial composition includes 54.7% White, 35.6% Black, 5.4% Hispanic, and 1.2% Asian students.

The district's financial structure reveals a notable data point: per-pupil spending is reported at $1,367, substantially below the state average of $8,665. Operating with a total budget of $232.5 million, Ouachita Parish relies on 47.6% state funding, 41.5% local revenue, and 11.0% federal support. This revenue distribution suggests reliance on state and local contributions to sustain operations. The combination of above-average academic metrics despite enrollment decline and lower per-pupil spending compared to state averages presents a distinct profile within Louisiana's educational landscape.