Natchitoches Parish Schools were featured this week in the Boston Globe Magazine in an in-depth article examining reading and math achievement across the United States. The feature highlights the district’s significant progress over the past five years, noting record-high scores in grades 3–8 reading and math. From 2019 to 2024, Natchitoches Parish students gained more than a grade level in reading, surpassing the national average for the first time.
The article credits the district’s progress to the work of teachers, leaders, and students, as well as the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices, teacher collaboration, and innovative supports. Schools across the parish, from L.P. Vaughn Elementary to M.R. Weaver and beyond, were recognized as part of the district’s story of resilience and improvement.
Superintendent Grant Eloi emphasized the urgency of reform in the system, describing the school district itself as a public health crisis that required decisive action. The article notes that those actions are now showing results, drawing national attention.
