For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 341 students in Tensas Parish, LA (there are 1 private school, serving 147 private students). 70% of all K-12 students in Tensas Parish, LA are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
The top ranked public schools in Tensas Parish, LA are Tensas Elementary School and Tensas High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tensas Parish, LA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Louisiana public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Tensas Parish have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Louisiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Tensas Parish (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tensas Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Frontage Road
Saint Joseph, LA 71366
(318) 766-3346
Saint Joseph, LA 71366
(318) 766-3346
Grades: PK-5
| 184 students
Rank: #22.
Tensas High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
720 Plank Road
Saint Joseph, LA 71366
(318) 766-3585
Saint Joseph, LA 71366
(318) 766-3585
Grades: 6-12
| 157 students
Tensas Parish Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
P O Box 158
Waterproof, LA 71375
(318) 749-3397
Waterproof, LA 71375
(318) 749-3397
Grades: PK-6
| 108 students
400 Verona
Newellton, LA 71357
(318) 467-5109
Newellton, LA 71357
(318) 467-5109
Grades: K-6
| 87 students
Tensas Charter School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
P O Box 538
Newellton, LA 71357
(318) 467-5538
Newellton, LA 71357
(318) 467-5538
Grades: K-5
| 33 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Tensas Parish, LA?
The top ranked public schools in Tensas Parish, LA include Tensas Elementary School and Tensas High School.
How many public schools are located in Tensas Parish?
2 public schools are located in Tensas Parish.
What percentage of students in Tensas Parish go to public school?
70% of all K-12 students in Tensas Parish are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Tensas Parish?
Tensas Parish public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.