The top reported proficiency rate is 29% in English language arts. The lowest is 17% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Pine Wood Elementary School
Pine Wood Elementary School is a regular public school in DeRidder, Louisiana, serving only fourth and fifth graders. It is one of the elementary campuses in the Beauregard Parish school system. Because it covers just two upper-elementary grades, the school sits in a transitional role, preparing students for middle school. There are no special designations such as magnet or charter status, and Title I eligibility information was not available, so it is unclear whether the school receives federal funding for low-income students.
On the 2024–25 Louisiana LEAP 2025 assessments, Pine Wood students posted proficiency rates that were low across every tested subject. In mathematics, the share of students scoring at the proficient or advanced level was well below a third, and results in English language arts, while a bit higher, still fell short of what many parents would hope for. Science and social studies proficiency rates were similarly modest. All students participated in testing, and the single year of data means there is no previous performance to compare against. A parent considering this school may want to ask school leaders directly about academic support strategies and any plans to improve these outcomes, especially since the school’s role is to build a foundation before students move on.
The student body is diverse in background. A majority of students are White, with a substantial share identifying as Black, a smaller but noticeable Hispanic population, and a meaningful number of students of two or more races. Over half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a school community where economic need is common. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so families with children in those groups should follow up with the school about available services.
DeRidder itself is a small parish seat with a historic downtown and a population that has been declining gradually. The local economy has roots in timber and forest products, and nearby Fort Polk is a major employer. Housing in the area is moderately priced compared to national averages, and rents are also below the national typical. The town is car-dependent outside of its compact historic core, and the school sits on Mel Branch Memorial Drive, a street likely to require driving from most residential neighborhoods. The overall growth context is stable but shrinking, which may affect school enrollment trends over time; the district has renewed its operating taxes in recent years, a sign of ongoing community investment.
The district, Beauregard Parish, has added career and technical education pathways at its high schools in healthcare, welding, and information technology. Those programs are not directly relevant to Pine Wood’s grade band, but they do indicate that the district is building connections to regional workforce needs for students who will eventually move through those high schools. For a family with a fourth or fifth grader, the immediate environment is a school with below-average academic marks, a high share of economically disadvantaged students, and no specialized programs or standout offerings described in the available data. A parent may want to visit the school, talk to teachers about classroom practices, and understand what interventions are in place to raise achievement before their child enters sixth grade. The school’s website was listed but not further detailed in the data provided, so that would be a logical next step for more current information.
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