Photo: Polka Dots and Pastries · CC BY 2.0Ponchatoula’s public schools outscore 53% of Louisiana districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Ponchatoula, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. On the state math tests, 20% of Ponchatoula’s students scored proficient, below the Louisiana average (32%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Louisiana, not nationally.
From Louisiana state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Ponchatoula’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 172 Louisiana towns with household incomes within a quarter of Ponchatoula’s, its schools beat 10%, lower than their 53% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 33% of tested students were proficient in reading and 20% in math, against 42% and 32% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83% across Louisiana. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,182 per student, against $15,623 across Louisiana (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and seven high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Joseph School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Ponchatoula’s grade
B−: better than 53% of Louisiana school districts, #142 of 162 Louisiana towns. Both inputs trail the Louisiana average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Ponchatoula, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Ponchatoula
Perrin Early Learning Center
Grades PK–K · 338 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Ponchatoula
Perrin Early Learning Center
Grades PK–K · 338 students · 10:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Ponchatoula
Tucker Memorial Elementary School
Grades 1–2 · 633 students · 16:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Ponchatoula
Tucker Memorial Elementary School
Grades 1–2 · 633 students · 16:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Ponchatoula
D.C. Reeves Elementary School
Grades 3–4 · 688 students · 14:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Ponchatoula
D.C. Reeves Elementary School
Grades 3–4 · 688 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula Junior High School
Grades 7–8 · 723 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula Junior High School
Grades 7–8 · 723 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Ponchatoula’s public schools are run by Tangipahoa Parish School District, which also serves Amite City, Hammond, Independence and Kentwood and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Ponchatoula vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Louisiana towns that share Ponchatoula’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Ponchatoula | B− | Tangipahoa Parish |
| Hammond | B− | Tangipahoa Parish |
Every school in Ponchatoula
12 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Louisiana’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Ponchatoula’s schools
Are Ponchatoula’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Louisiana: the public schools Ponchatoula children attend outscore 53% of Louisiana’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #142 of 162 Louisiana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 10%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Ponchatoula in?
Tangipahoa Parish School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 19,077 students in 32 schools (2024–25).
Where do Ponchatoula kids go to high school?
One of 7 high schools, depending on your address: Ponchatoula High School, Hammond High Magnet School, Loranger High School, Independence High Magnet, Jewel M. Sumner High School, Amite High Magnet and Kentwood High Magnet School.
What is Ponchatoula’s graduation rate?
79% of the class of 2023 in Tangipahoa Parish School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Louisiana.
How much does Ponchatoula spend per student?
$14,182 in Tangipahoa Parish School District (FY2024), against $15,623 across Louisiana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Ponchatoula?
Yes: St. Joseph School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 542 students).
Parents talk
What Ponchatoula families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Ponchatoula → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Louisiana. Stars are from neighbors.