Education

Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community

Excellence in Academic Achievement and Educational Choice

As a physician considering Monroe for your family, you'll discover an educational landscape that offers both high-performing public options and prestigious private schools. Unlike areas where private education is a necessity, Monroe offers families meaningful choices based on academic fit and value.

The crown jewel of Monroe’s public education system is Neville High School, named “The Most Beautiful Public High School in Louisiana” and a multi-year recipient of the College Success Award. With proficiency rates of 76% in math and 85% in English/language arts, it far exceeds state and national averages.

  • Neville High School ranked #48 in Louisiana with multiple College Success Awards
  • Monroe City School District ranked in the top 50% of Louisiana districts
  • Student-teacher ratios of 15:1 or better in top schools
  • AP participation rate reaching 48% at leading high schools
  • 186 students enrolled in Gifted and Talented programs at Neville

Advanced Academic Programming and College Preparation

Students benefit from 11 AP courses and a 48% AP participation rate at Neville High School. The Gifted and Talented program serves nearly 200 students, offering tailored enrichment for academic excellence.

Louisiana’s TOPS scholarship program rewards qualified students with full tuition to state universities, adding financial value to public education. Students can also earn dual enrollment credits at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), gaining early college experience with access to university resources.

  • 11 Advanced Placement courses with high participation
  • TOPS program offering full tuition scholarships to Louisiana public universities
  • Dual enrollment with ULM for high school students earning college credit
  • Gifted programs supporting enrichment for high-achieving students
  • College Success Award recognition for excellence in college readiness

Elite Private School Options

Families seeking private education will find several distinguished institutions in Monroe. Ouachita Christian School (OCS) is the region’s largest Christian school, serving families across Northeast Louisiana and Arkansas with dual accreditation and college-prep rigor.

St. Frederick High School offers Catholic education with a strong track record of graduates excelling at elite universities. River Oaks School and Geneva Academy offer additional pathways for academic and values-based education.

  • OCS: Dual-accredited college preparatory school with wide regional reach
  • 42% of OCS seniors qualify for Ouachita Scholars' Banquet (3.5+ GPA, 25+ ACT)
  • St. Frederick High School: Catholic education with Ivy League placement history
  • Geneva Academy: Classical curriculum in nearby West Monroe
  • River Oaks School: Honors diploma and Louisiana Core 4 curriculum tracks

STEM and Specialized Program Excellence

Monroe prioritizes STEM education through magnet programs and partnerships with ULM. J.S. Clark Magnet Elementary focuses on science and math fundamentals, while high schools offer honors-level coursework in advanced sciences and mathematics.

ULM’s College of Pharmacy provides local access to research labs and healthcare career exposure for students. From elementary through high school, students engage in advanced instruction that prepares them for pre-med, engineering, and other STEM fields.

  • J.S. Clark Magnet Elementary: STEM-focused curriculum
  • ULM partnerships offering advanced lab access and university mentorship
  • Progressive math and science tracks through calculus, physics, and chemistry
  • Honors-level programming in core science and technical disciplines
  • Unique medical career exploration due to ULM College of Pharmacy proximity

Educational Investment and Value

Monroe’s private school tuition runs 50–70% less than major metro counterparts—typically $8,000–$15,000 annually. This affordability, combined with strong public options, means education choices are based on preference, not necessity.

The TOPS scholarship program further enhances value by reducing college costs for Louisiana graduates. Reasonable property taxes and low housing costs also ensure families can live in the best districts without financial strain.

  • Private tuition significantly below big-city rates
  • TOPS program saving families thousands in college tuition
  • Property taxes supporting education remain reasonable
  • Physician families can afford top districts without budget stress

University Access and Continuing Education

The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) enriches the region with access to higher education, cultural programs, and academic events. ULM's colleges in Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Business, and Arts offer opportunities for family engagement and community enrichment.

For physicians or spouses considering graduate studies, ULM offers online and in-person master's programs, supporting career flexibility. Children benefit from access to ULM’s art shows, performances, and guest lectures, enriching their educational experience.

  • ULM offers graduate programs, online degrees, and continuing education
  • Academic lectures, cultural events, and athletics accessible to the public
  • Research internships and lab experiences for advanced high schoolers
  • Spouse career development supported by local academic resources
  • Community-wide enrichment through ULM’s intellectual contributions

Monroe’s educational ecosystem provides academic excellence, program diversity, and affordability for physician families. With personalized support and university access, your children will thrive in a learning environment that blends rigor with real-world relevance.

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