- Forest Hill Junior High School — 2.0 mi · Grades PK–8 · 496 students
- Glenmora High School — 7.0 mi · Grades PK–12 · 673 students
- Carter C. Raymond Junior High School — 7.6 mi · Grades PK–8 · 124 students
- Caroline Dormon Junior High School — 7.9 mi · Grades PK–8 · 362 students
- Rapides High School — 8.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 248 students
- Oak Hill High School — 13.2 mi · Grades PK–12 · 715 students
- Martin Park Elementary School — 13.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 281 students
- Cherokee Elementary School — 13.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 576 students
| Metric | Rapides Parish School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 22,991 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 47 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,716/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 16% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapides Parish School District (this district) | 7/10 | 62nd | 22,991 |
| Evangeline Parish School District | 5/10 | 42nd | 5,705 |
| Allen Parish School District | 7/10 | 61st | 4,136 |
| Vernon Parish School District | 8/10 | 79th | 9,037 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 68 rated districts in LA → 62nd percentile → 7/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Rapides Parish School District
Families in zip code 71430 (Forest Hill, Louisiana) are assigned to Rapides Parish School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
Rapides Parish School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 7/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Louisiana is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Rapides Parish School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Louisiana. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 71430
Children in zip code 71430 are assigned to Rapides Parish School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 71430, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Rapides Parish School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Louisiana districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Forest Hill
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Rapides Parish School District serves zip code 71430, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 71430. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Louisiana, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Rapides Parish School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 71430.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Rapides Parish School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 71430 data.