Summary:
The city of Saint Joseph, Louisiana is home to two public schools - Tensas Elementary School and Tensas High School, both serving students in the Tensas Parish district. While Tensas Elementary School performs above the parish and state averages in math and English proficiency, Tensas High School struggles academically, with proficiency rates below 50% in most subject areas.
Tensas Elementary School stands out as a 3-star school, placing it in the top half of Louisiana elementary schools. It serves a high-need student population, with over 80% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, Tensas High School ranks in the bottom 10% of Louisiana high schools, with a 0-star rating, and also has a predominantly low-income student body. The academic disparity between the two schools suggests a potential disconnect in the educational continuity and support for students as they transition from elementary to high school.
Both schools have a majority African American student population, raising questions about educational equity and the potential for systemic challenges faced by these students. The data highlights the importance of continuous improvement, as seen in Tensas Elementary School's fluctuating SchoolDigger rankings, and the need for a comprehensive, data-driven approach to address the needs of the high-need student populations and drive meaningful improvements in student outcomes across the district.
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