For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,785 students in Natchitoches, LA (there are 2 private schools, serving 494 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Natchitoches, LA are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 84%).
The top-ranked public schools in Natchitoches, LA are N.s.u. Elementary Lab School, N.s.u. Middle Lab School and Louisiana School For Math Science & The Arts. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Natchitoches, LA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Louisiana public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Natchitoches have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Louisiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Natchitoches, LA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
N.s.u. Elementary Lab School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
#1 Caldwell Nsu Campus-w Easto
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 238-6385
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 238-6385
Gr: PK-5 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
N.s.u. Middle Lab School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
100 Tarlton Drive Tec Buildin
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-4509
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-4509
Gr: 6-8 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Louisiana School For Math Science & The Arts
Special Education School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
715 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-2500
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-2500
Gr: 10-12 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Natchitoches Central High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6513 Hwy. 1 South Bypass
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-2211
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-2211
Gr: 9-12 | 1,188 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #55.
Natchitoches Jr. High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1621 Welch Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 238-0066
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 238-0066
Gr: 7-8 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
East Natchitoches Elementary & Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1001 East Fifth Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-4516
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-4516
Gr: 5-6 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #77.
M.r. Weaver Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
520 St.maurice Lane
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-3623
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-3623
Gr: 3-4 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #88.
Natchitoches Parish Technical And Career Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
820 Koonce St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-9410
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-9410
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #99.
L.p. Vaughn Elementary & Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 36% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Gold Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-2369
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-2369
Gr: PK-2 | 687 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Natchitoches, LA?
The top-ranked public schools in Natchitoches, LA include N.s.u. Elementary Lab School, N.s.u. Middle Lab School and Louisiana School For Math Science & The Arts.
How many public schools are located in Natchitoches?
9 public schools are located in Natchitoches.
What percentage of students in Natchitoches go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Natchitoches are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 84%).
What is the racial composition of students in Natchitoches?
Natchitoches public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Natchitoches are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Natchitoches include: M.r. Weaver Elementary School vs. N.s.u. Elementary Lab School, N.s.u. Elementary Lab School vs. M.r. Weaver Elementary School, M.r. Weaver Elementary School vs. L.p. Vaughn Elementary & Middle School
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.