Is Ruston Junior High School a good school?

Ruston Junior High School ranks 255 th of 449 Louisiana middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Ruston Junior High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 580 students attended Ruston Junior High School.

What is the racial makeup of Ruston Junior High School?

Students at Ruston Junior High School are 51% African American, 38% White, 9% Hispanic, 1% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

What high school do graduates of Ruston Junior High School attend?

Students who attend Ruston Junior High School usually go on to attend Ruston High School

Ruston Junior High School

Summary:

Ruston Junior High School is a public middle school in Ruston, Louisiana, serving 558 students in grades 7-8. The school is part of the Lincoln Parish School District, which is ranked 20th out of 122 districts in Louisiana and has a 4-star rating.

Ruston Junior High School has a diverse student population, with 50.9% African American, 37.63% White, and smaller percentages of Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and multiracial students. Compared to the nearby I.A. Lewis School, Ruston Junior High has a slightly higher percentage of African American students and a slightly lower percentage of White students. In contrast, Calhoun Middle School, located in the Ouachita Parish district, has a significantly higher percentage of White students and a lower percentage of African American students.

Academically, Ruston Junior High School's performance, as measured by LEAP test scores, is generally below the district and state averages in both Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). However, the school's White students outperform the district and state averages in both subjects, ranking in the top 25% of Louisiana middle schools for these students. The school struggles with the academic achievement of African American, Hispanic, English Language Learner, Special Education, and Low Socioeconomic Status students, with these subgroups ranking in the bottom 33% to 5% of Louisiana middle schools. The high percentage of economically disadvantaged students at Ruston Junior High, ranging from 35.2% to 59.5% over the past three years, may contribute to the academic challenges faced by the school.

Detail:

Public 7-8

481 Tarbutton Road
Ruston, LA 71270

(318) 251-1601

District: Lincoln Parish

SchoolDigger Rank:
255^th of 449 Louisiana Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $14,898

Students who attend Ruston Junior High School usually attend:

High:

Ruston High School

Feeder schools for Ruston Junior High School:

Elementary:	Cypress Springs Elementary School
	Glen View Elementary School
	Hillcrest Elementary School
	Ruston Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 12.6

Number of students: 580

Racial breakdown:

African American:

50.7%

White:

37.6%

Hispanic:

9.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 53.6%

See top rated Louisiana middle schools

Compare Ruston Junior High School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Ruston Junior High School ranks worse than 56.8% of middle schools in Louisiana. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 46.21. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (50.7%), White (37.6%), Hispanic (9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 53.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ruston Junior High School is 12.6. (See more...)

Compare Ruston Junior High School employs 45.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ruston Junior High School is $14,898.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ruston Junior High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Ruston Junior High School 255^th of 449 Louisiana public middle schools. (See Ruston Junior High School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Lincoln Parish:

SchoolDigger ranks Lincoln Parish 20^th of 122 Louisiana school districts. (See district ranking list.)

What do you think?

Your rating for Ruston Junior High School?

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Rank History for Ruston Junior High School

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Rank History for all students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2007	54.25	206^th	396	48.0%
2008	61.61	177^th	413	57.1%
2009	51.20	234^th	425	44.9%
2010	36.80	287^th	408	29.7%
2011	68.16	131^st	412	68.2%
2012	61.16	177^th	442	60.0%
2013	64.25	155^th	457	66.1%
2014	55.59	213^th	470	54.7%
2015	57.80	209^th	482	56.6%
2016	49.48	245^th	435	43.7%
2017	49.47	245^th	437	43.9%
2018	32.46	285^th	411	30.7%
2019	48.17	246^th	449	45.2%
2021	40.74	278^th	459	39.4%
2022	58.31	194^th	460	57.8%
2023	54.15	220^th	465	52.7%
2024	46.21	255^th	449	43.2%

See the entire list of Louisiana Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	18.16	51^st	55	7.3%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2019	38.91	118^th	202	41.6%
2021	25.82	168^th	210	20.0%
2023	18.46	182^nd	206	11.7%
2024	28.82	133^rd	175	24.0%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2018	39.98	267^th	403	33.7%
2019	36.78	294^th	430	31.6%
2021	26.63	341^st	455	25.1%
2022	46.17	244^th	458	46.7%
2023	38.33	289^th	459	37.0%
2024	36.19	288^th	444	35.1%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2019	45.37	245^th	418	41.4%
2021	43.04	268^th	441	39.2%
2022	57.22	190^th	441	56.9%
2023	52.10	225^th	444	49.3%
2024	49.84	229^th	415	44.8%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	28.72	122^nd	170	28.2%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2019	48.16	223^rd	418	46.7%
2021	37.18	280^th	442	36.7%
2022	57.78	185^th	442	58.1%
2023	55.52	187^th	443	57.8%
2024	42.80	250^th	426	41.3%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2018	36.99	213^th	313	31.9%
2019	42.84	188^th	338	44.4%
2021	35.16	226^th	352	35.8%
2022	56.34	136^th	360	62.2%
2023	42.57	198^th	360	45.0%
2024	34.52	225^th	333	32.4%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2018	64.09	41^st	118	65.3%
2019	44.18	80^th	128	37.5%
2021	32.27	110^th	153	28.1%
2022	59.00	61^st	163	62.6%
2023	48.01	89^th	163	45.4%
2024	41.98	91^st	152	40.1%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ruston Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	LA State Percentile
2018	71.98	86^th	338	74.6%
2019	74.40	80^th	350	77.1%
2021	63.54	132^nd	358	63.1%
2022	69.64	99^th	362	72.7%
2023	76.84	64^th	352	81.8%
2024	68.23	92^nd	320	71.3%

See the entire list of Best Louisiana Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Louisiana Dept of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Louisiana Dept of Education

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Enrollment information for Ruston Junior High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1989	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	612	612
1990	370	264	5	3	0	n/a	n/a	0	642
1991	397	278	5	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	682
1992	398	301	6	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	705
1993	383	308	4	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	695
1994	343	303	3	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	651
1995	389	294	10	7	6	n/a	n/a	0	706
1996	389	294	10	7	6	n/a	n/a	0	706
1997	368	304	10	5	1	n/a	n/a	0	688
1998	369	309	10	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	690
1999	333	289	8	3	0	n/a	n/a	0	633
2000	307	297	7	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	613
2001	270	335	7	6	1	n/a	n/a	0	619
2002	240	306	15	3	1	n/a	n/a	0	565
2003	240	306	15	3	1	n/a	n/a	0	565
2004	241	294	11	8	0	n/a	n/a	0	554
2005	267	304	5	11	0	n/a	n/a	0	587
2006	214	348	7	8	1	n/a	n/a	0	578
2007	194	359	6	8	2	n/a	n/a	0	569
2008	205	339	4	7	0	n/a	n/a	0	555
2009	240	345	7	8	0	n/a	n/a	0	600
2010	237	316	4	7	0	n/a	n/a	0	564
2011	183	291	3	11	3	0	0	0	491
2012	228	341	4	12	1	0	1	0	587
2013	236	353	2	9	0	0	3	0	603
2014	213	360	6	20	1	0	4	0	604
2015	204	338	6	25	2	0	3	0	578
2016	204	335	5	17	1	0	4	0	566
2017	224	369	9	28	0	0	4	0	634
2018	220	350	6	30	0	1	4	0	611
2019	218	365	8	27	0	1	9	0	628
2020	211	340	7	46	0	0	9	0	613
2021	208	303	10	45	1	0	4	0	571
2022	206	270	8	44	1	0	8	0	537
2023	210	284	6	49	0	1	8	0	558
2024	218	294	7	52	0	1	8	0	580

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ruston Junior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	612	33.0	18.5	35.8
1990	642	34.0	18.8	39.7
1991	682	35.0	19.4	37
1992	705	37.0	19.0	43.1
1993	695	36.0	19.3	43.3
1994	651	38.0	17.1	41
1995	706	36.9	19.1	36.8
1996	706	36.9	19.1	36.8
1997	688	37.0	18.6	36.6
1998	690	37.0	18.6	37.2
1999	633	41.0	15.4	43.8
2000	613	41.0	15.0	51.7
2001	619	40.0	15.5	56.7
2002	565	40.6	13.9	55
2003	565	40.6	13.9	55
2004	554	41.1	13.5	55.8
2005	587	42.4	13.8	54.7
2006	578	39.7	14.6	65.4
2007	569	42.7	13.3	67.3
2008	555	44.0	12.6	62.9
2009	600	45.4	13.2	65.5
2010	564	45.9	12.2	66.1
2011	491	44.9	10.9	66.8
2012	587	48.2	12.1	62.5
2013	603	42.4	14.2	64.2
2014	604	42.6	14.1	69.7
2015	578	44.0	13.1	69.6
2016	566	n/a	n/a	70.1
2017	634	68.1	9.3	51.9
2018	611	35.1	17.3	40.1
2019	628	35.7	17.5	43.6
2020	613	34.0	18.0	51.2
2021	571	30.9	18.4	41.2
2022	537	33.5	16.0	35.2
2023	558	33.8	16.4	59.5
2024	580	45.7	12.6	53.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ruston Junior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	612	33.0	18.5	35.8
1990	642	34.0	18.8	39.7
1991	682	35.0	19.4	37
1992	705	37.0	19.0	43.1
1993	695	36.0	19.3	43.3
1994	651	38.0	17.1	41
1995	706	36.9	19.1	36.8
1996	706	36.9	19.1	36.8
1997	688	37.0	18.6	36.6
1998	690	37.0	18.6	37.2
1999	633	41.0	15.4	43.8
2000	613	41.0	15.0	51.7
2001	619	40.0	15.5	56.7
2002	565	40.6	13.9	55
2003	565	40.6	13.9	55
2004	554	41.1	13.5	55.8
2005	587	42.4	13.8	54.7
2006	578	39.7	14.6	65.4
2007	569	42.7	13.3	67.3
2008	555	44.0	12.6	62.9
2009	600	45.4	13.2	65.5
2010	564	45.9	12.2	66.1
2011	491	44.9	10.9	66.8
2012	587	48.2	12.1	62.5
2013	603	42.4	14.2	64.2
2014	604	42.6	14.1	69.7
2015	578	44.0	13.1	69.6
2016	566	n/a	n/a	70.1
2017	634	68.1	9.3	51.9
2018	611	35.1	17.3	40.1
2019	628	35.7	17.5	43.6
2020	613	34.0	18.0	51.2
2021	571	30.9	18.4	41.2
2022	537	33.5	16.0	35.2
2023	558	33.8	16.4	59.5
2024	580	45.7	12.6	53.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ruston Junior High School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$11,422
2018	$12,119
2019	$12,002
2020	$11,895
2021	$13,851
2022	$14,898

Data source: Louisiana Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ruston Junior High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 246^th of 449 Middle schools	Ranks 220^th of 465 Middle schools	7.5%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
7th Grade Mathematics (Ruston Junior High School)	57	54	3%
7th Grade Mathematics (Lincoln Parish)	63	62	1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Louisiana)	61	58	3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Ruston Junior High School)	71	69	2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Lincoln Parish)	76	77	1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Louisiana)	72	67	5%
7th Grade Social Studies (Ruston Junior High School)	54	57	3%
7th Grade Social Studies (Lincoln Parish)	59	64	5%
7th Grade Social Studies (Louisiana)	55	52	3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Ruston Junior High School)	52	54	2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Lincoln Parish)	62	61	1%
8th Grade Mathematics (Louisiana)	53	47	6%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Ruston Junior High School)	70	67	3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Lincoln Parish)	75	73	2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Louisiana)	71	70	1%
8th Grade Social Studies (Ruston Junior High School)	59	54	5%
8th Grade Social Studies (Lincoln Parish)	68	61	7%
8th Grade Social Studies (Louisiana)	64	53	11%
End of Course Algebra I (Ruston Junior High School)	99	100	1%
End of Course Algebra I (Lincoln Parish)	64	63	1%
End of Course Algebra I (Louisiana)	67	58	9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	628	558	11.1%
African American	365	284	22.2%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	8	6	25%
Hispanic	27	49	81.5%
Pacific Islander	1	1
White	218	210	3.7%
Two or More Races	9	8	11.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	43.6%	59.5%	15.9%

Schools Near Ruston Junior High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				LEAP Mathematics (2024)				LEAP English Language Arts (2024)				Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	LEAP Mathematics 6th Grade	LEAP Mathematics 7th Grade	LEAP Mathematics 8th Grade	LEAP Mathematics All Grades	LEAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	LEAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	LEAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	LEAP English Language Arts All Grades	Total
Ruston Junior High School	Public	7-8	481 Tarbutton Road	Ruston	71270	Lincoln Parish	Lincoln Parish	No	No	No	Yes	(318) 251-1601	580	46	12.6	53.6%	218 (37.6%)	294 (50.7%)	52 (9.0%)	7 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	8 (1.4%)	46.2	255^th of 449 public middle schools	43.2%		54.2	220^th of 465 public middle schools	52.7%	35		58.0	46.0	53.0		65.0	69.0	67.0	$14,898
I.A. Lewis School	Public	6	1000 Mitchell Avenue	Ruston	71270	Lincoln Parish	Lincoln Parish	No	No	No	Yes	(318) 255-5963	283	23	12.3	54.8%	114 (40.3%)	136 (48.1%)	23 (8.1%)	6 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.4%)								(n/a)	52.0			52.0	67.0			67.0	$16,906
Calhoun Middle School	Public	6-8	191 Highway 80	Calhoun	71225	Ouachita Parish	Ouachita Parish	No	No	No	No	(318) 644-5840	449	35	12.8	56.1%	397 (88.4%)	29 (6.5%)	10 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (2.7%)	72.4	121^st of 449 public middle schools	73.1%		74.5	102^nd of 465 public middle schools	78.1%	19	70.0		52.0	64.0	86.0	84.0	76.0	82.0	$13,677

Ruston Junior High School

Ruston Junior High School:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Lincoln Parish:

What do you think?

Rank History for Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for all students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Special Education students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Female students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Disabled students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Male students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for African American students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ruston Junior High School

Rank History for White students at Ruston Junior High School

Enrollment information for Ruston Junior High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ruston Junior High School

Student/Teacher Ratio Ruston Junior High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ruston Junior High School

Impact of COVID-19 on Ruston Junior High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Ruston Junior High School