Education in Natchitoches, Louisiana: Schools, Colleges & Learning Opportunities
Public Schools in Natchitoches Parish
The Natchitoches Parish School Board oversees a comprehensive public education system serving approximately 6,840 students across 5 preschools, 13 elementary and middle schools (K–8), and 3 high schools (9–12).
With a strong teacher-to-student ratio of 1:13, the district provides personalized instruction, including:
Gifted and talented programs
Special education services supporting over 300 students
Academic support for diverse learning needs
Students also benefit from dual enrollment opportunities, allowing juniors and seniors to earn college credit through institutions like Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College.
Extracurricular activities—including athletics, arts, and student organizations—create a well-rounded educational experience.
Private & Faith-Based Schools
Families seeking alternative education options will find several private and faith-based schools in Natchitoches Parish.
St. Mary’s Catholic School offers a curriculum aligned with Louisiana state standards, while Faith Christian Academy provides an education rooted in the Abeka curriculum and Christian values.
These schools offer smaller class sizes and a focus on character development alongside academics.
Specialized & Gifted Education Programs
The Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) is a nationally recognized institution serving gifted high school juniors and seniors. With approximately 400 students enrolled, LSMSA has earned recognition as one of the top public elite high schools in the United States.
Additionally, laboratory schools affiliated with Northwestern State University provide innovative teaching methods and hands-on learning experiences.
Colleges & Universities in Natchitoches
Higher education is a major strength in Natchitoches, anchored by Northwestern State University.
Founded in 1884, the university offers:
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Doctoral-level education in select fields
A strong pre-nursing pathway
Competitive athletics and student life programs
With an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, NSU plays a key role in both education and community development.
Technical & Workforce Training Opportunities
Career-focused education is available through Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, which provides hands-on training in:
Welding and mechanics
Nursing (LPN programs)
Business and drafting
Industrial and technical skills
The Quick Start program offers accelerated training, allowing students to gain job-ready skills in as little as three weeks—supporting local workforce development.
Libraries & Educational Resources
Natchitoches Parish offers excellent public and academic library resources, including the parish library system and Watson Library.
Residents and visitors can access:
Over 54,000 volumes
Research archives and historical collections
The Cammie G. Henry Research Room
Additional resources include the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association, which provides valuable materials for those researching local history.
Why Families Choose Natchitoches for Education
Natchitoches offers a diverse and high-quality education system that supports students at every level—from early childhood through advanced academic and technical training.
With strong public schools, nationally recognized programs, and higher education opportunities, Natchitoches is an excellent place for families, students, and lifelong learners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good schools in Natchitoches?
Yes, Natchitoches offers a strong mix of public, private, and specialized schools. The Natchitoches Parish School Board provides a well-rounded education system with a low teacher-to-student ratio, while private and faith-based schools offer additional options for families.
What colleges and universities are located in Natchitoches?
Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University, a major regional university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Students can also access programs through Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College for career-focused training.
Does Natchitoches offer programs for gifted or advanced students?
Yes, advanced learners can attend the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA), a nationally recognized residential high school for gifted juniors and seniors. Many local schools also offer gifted and talented programs.
Are there technical or vocational training opportunities in Natchitoches?
Yes, students and adults can pursue hands-on career training through Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College. Programs include welding, nursing, mechanics, and business, along with short-term workforce training options like the Quick Start program.
Is Natchitoches a good place for families focused on education?
Natchitoches is an excellent choice for families, offering a complete education system from preschool through university. With diverse learning options, extracurricular activities, and access to higher education, it provides strong opportunities for student success.
Can high school students earn college credit in Natchitoches?
Yes, many high school juniors and seniors in Natchitoches Parish can participate in dual enrollment programs. These allow students to earn college credit through institutions like Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College.
Resources
- Louisiana Scholar’s College
Louisiana’s designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences. - Louisiana Technical College – Natchitoches Campus
The Mission of the LTC– Natchitoches Campus is workforce development. This college system provides relevant technical and academic education needed to assist individuals in making informed and meaningful occupational choices. It is their mission to train, retrain, cross train, and continually upgrade the state’s workforce so that individuals are employable at both entry and advanced levels. - LSMSA
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. - The Space Science Group
The Space Science Group offers programs that use space topics to motivate students in the areas of mathematics, science, and engineering. These programs teach basic scientific processes using effective research-based methods, and show the relevance of these areas to real life. - St. Mary’s School
1101 East 5th Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-8394 - Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal Street: P.O. Box 16
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71458-0016
Telephone: (318) 352-2358
Fax: (318) 352-8138 - Cloutierville Elementary & Middle School
School Street, Box 100
Cloutierville, LA 71416
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 379-2577 - East Natchitoches Elementary School
1001 East 5th Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Grades K-8
Telephone: (318) 352-4516 - Fairview Alpha Elementary School
1439 Highway 71
Campti, LA 71411
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 932-4616 - Goldonna Elementary & Middle School
248 Ash Street
Goldonna, LA 71031
Grades K-6
Telephone: (318) 727-9449 - LP Vaughn Elementary & Middle School
1500 Gold Street
Natchitoches, LA
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 352-2369 - NSU Elementary Lab
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Grades K-5
Telephone: (318)357-6973 - NSU Middle Lab
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Grades 6-8
Telephone: (318) 357-4509 - Parks Elementary School
800 Koonce Street
Natchitoches, LA
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 352-2764 - Lakeview Middle & High School
7305 Highway 9
Campti, LA 71411
Grades 7-12
Telephone: (318) 476-3360 - Marthaville Elementary School
10800 Highway 120
Marthaville, LA 71450
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 472-6141 - Natchitoches Central High School
6543 Highway 1 South, Bypass
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Grades 9-12
Telephone: (318) 352-2211 - Frankie Ray Jackson Sr. Technical Center
1621 Welch Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Grades 4-12
Telephone: (318) 357-9410 - Provencal Elementary School
132 Cherry Street
Provencal, LA 71468
Grades PK-8
Telephone: (318) 472-6174 - Weaver Elementary School
520 St. Maurice Lane
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Grades PK-3
Telephone: (318) 352-3623 - Preschool Center
415 Martin Luther King Jr.
Natchitoches, LA
Telephone: (318) 352-6464 - Adult Education Center
1016 Keyser Avenue, Box 2173
Natchitoches, LA
Telephone: (318) 352-3348 - Louisiana Technical College – Natchitoches Campus
6587 Highway 1 Bypass
Natchitoches, LA
Telephone: (318) 357-3162