The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 0% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on White Hills Elementary School
White Hills Elementary School is a regular public school in Baker, Louisiana, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. It is a small school, with an enrollment that places it among the smaller elementary campuses in the parish. The student body is predominantly Black, with a modest share of Hispanic students and very few white students. A substantial majority of students come from low-income households, qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, a rate that is among the highest in the parish. This economic context shapes the school’s resource needs and is an important factor for families to weigh.
State testing results from the 2023-24 school year paint a picture of generally low academic performance. In reading, proficiency rates across grades three through five ranged from a modest level in third grade to a lower share in fourth grade, with fifth grade rebounding slightly. In math, the pattern was weaker: third grade showed a modest share of students reaching proficiency, but fourth grade fell into a low range and fifth grade was very low. Science results were also low, with the strongest showing in third grade and sharp drops in fourth and fifth. Social studies data from the prior year (2022-23) showed virtually no students reaching proficiency in grade three, and only a very small share in grades four and five. When compared with other schools in East Baton Rouge Parish on an overall proficiency index, White Hills Elementary sits below the midpoint of the distribution. That comparison set includes all parish districts, not just elementary schools, so it provides a broad but relevant benchmark.
The school’s small size means that test results are based on a small number of students in each grade, making year-to-year comparisons less stable. Participation rates for the state assessments were not available, so it is unclear whether all eligible students were tested. The school serves only elementary grades, so there is no graduation rate to report, nor any data on chronic absenteeism or discipline. Information on special populations such as students with disabilities and English learners was also missing from the available data, so a family with a child in those groups should ask the school directly about available supports.
Baker, where the school is located, is a predominantly residential city in northern East Baton Rouge Parish, part of the Baton Rouge metro area. It is described as a place suited for families and retirees, though its population has been declining over recent years. Housing is mostly owner-occupied, with median values below national averages. The city is car-dependent, with most residents commuting by car to work in retail, health care, and manufacturing sectors. Civic life centers on the local library branch and an annual school fundraiser festival. The school is part of the East Baton Rouge Parish district, which covers a large and diverse area; no recent district-wide policy changes or referendums affecting parents were identified in publicly available records.
For a family considering White Hills Elementary, the picture is straightforward. The school serves a high-poverty community and its test scores are low relative to other schools in the parish. A parent looking at this school would want to learn more about what academic interventions and enrichment are in place, how the school supports students who are below grade level, and what instructional programs are offered. The small size may mean more individualized attention is possible, but the data does not confirm that. The surrounding community is quiet and affordable, with a modest suburban feel. Families who are able to supplement classroom learning at home or who are seeking a neighborhood school with deep community roots may find this a familiar fit, while those prioritizing strong test scores or broad program offerings would likely want to look further.
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