The top reported proficiency rate is 13% in English language arts. The lowest is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Howard School
Howard School is an alternative school in Ruston that serves students from second grade through twelfth grade. It operates as its own district, a relatively uncommon structure in Louisiana, and publicly reported sources describe it as a small alternative school situated on the campus of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, serving students who have been referred or who are residential there. That distinction matters for understanding what this school is and who it is meant to serve.
The academic picture from state testing is a core fact to consider. On the LEAP 2025 assessments for grades three through eight, the share of students scoring at proficient or above was very low across every subject tested. In mathematics, the rate was effectively zero. In English language arts, it was a small share of students. In science and social studies, it was similarly very low. Parents should understand that these results are not directly comparable to those at a typical neighborhood school. Alternative schools often enroll students who have experienced interruptions in their schooling, behavioral challenges, or other circumstances that affect academic performance. A parent considering Howard School will want to talk directly with the school about the instructional approach, the support services available, and what academic progress looks like for students who enter with varied backgrounds. Beyond state testing, no data was available on graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, or course offerings, which limits a fuller picture of student outcomes.
The student body is small. Demographically, the enrollment is roughly evenly divided between White students and Black students, with a small share of Hispanic students and students identifying as two or more races. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is notably low, which may reflect the residential and referral nature of the school rather than the economic background of the broader community. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported.
Ruston, where the school is located, is dominated by Louisiana Tech University, a public research university that shapes the city’s character and economy. The city has a historic downtown district with shops, eateries, and cultural venues such as the Dixie Theater, and the university campus is integrated into the city rather than isolated. Major employers include the university, healthcare systems, and the school system. The population skews young due to the student presence, and the housing market in the area shows home values roughly in line with the state average and rents that have risen in recent years. The city has pursued downtown revitalization and planning initiatives in recent years.
When placed against the other districts in Lincoln Parish, Howard School’s overall proficiency across tested subjects falls in the bottom quartile. The comparison universe is small, with only three districts in the parish, so the bottom quartile position means it ranks near the bottom of that set. This is consistent with the specialized mission of the school.
Howard School is not the typical public school most families would consider as a first choice for a child. It serves a specific population of students who are placed there through referral, often because they need an alternative setting that a traditional school cannot provide. The academic data reflects that reality. For a family whose child has been recommended for such a placement, Howard School is the option in this part of Louisiana. A parent would want to visit, understand the behavioral and academic supports in place, and clarify how the school works to transition students back to a regular school or toward graduation. The information available publicly provides a starting point but leaves many practical questions for the school to answer directly.
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