Education
Public Schools
The Natchitoches Parish School System includes five preschools, 13 elementary (K-8) and three high schools (9-12). There are approximately 6,840 students and 464 teachers involved in the public school system. The school system also has a special education program that involves 311 students and 100 teachers. This yields a teacher-pupil ratio of 1 to 13. In addition, the Laboratory Schools at Northwestern State University operate within the parish school system for experimenting with new teaching methods and developing innovative educational programs.
The schools have a comprehensive program to encourage the gifted student, and special classrooms and teachers assist students who have learning problems. Juniors and seniors may attend classes for credit at the Louisiana Technical College or Northwestern State University. High school students participate in a full range of extracurricular activities including football and other sports.
The Louisiana School of Math, Science and the Arts provide high quality education for the state’s most gifted high school students. Current enrollment is approximately 400 juniors and seniors.
Private Schools
There are two church-affiliated schools in Natchitoches Parish that provide an alternative for students not attending public schools. St. Mary’s School and Oasis of Love Christian Academy offer the standard curriculum approved by the Louisiana State Department of Education, as well as training in religion.
Vocational Training
Vocational training is available at the Louisiana Technical College-Natchitoches Campus, a state-funded facility, and in the vocational program of parish schools. Vocational training includes welding, mechanics, small engine repair, business, LPN nursing, machine shop, drafting, and instrumentation. Special education courses are also organized to meet specific interests and needs.
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University was established in 1884 as a normal school for the training of teachers. After several changes in name and purpose, it officially became a university in 1970. The university offers both graduate and undergraduate programs of study along with general opportunities for research and individual study in a variety of fields. Doctor of Education and Specialist in Education degrees are offered in elementary education, health and physical education, and secondary education. The university operates a two-year pre-nursing program to prepare students for its nursing school at NSU-Shreveport. A comprehensive athletic program provides opportunities for participation in intercollegiate and intramural teams for football, basketball, baseball and other sports.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and various specialized accrediting groups for the different academic departments accredit the university. Enrollment for Northwestern State University and the Louisiana Scholars College is approximately 10,000 students. (318) 357-5682 or (800) 376-2422
Public Libraries
Natchitoches Parish enjoys an excellent parish-supported public library system. The library is located on Second Street in downtown Natchitoches, with a head librarian and staff of eight. Volumes in the library are in excess of 54,000, with approximately 400 new additions per month. The facility offers reading and other reference materials such as periodicals, film and audio materials for all ages. The large collection of materials at Watson Library on Northwestern State University’s campus is available to parish residents. Visitors will find the Cammie G. Henry Research Room, located in Watson Library, of interest. These archives contain many old books and papers pertaining to the history of the city, parish and university. The Williamson Museum, located in the Arts and Science Building, contains collections of archaeological importance to the area.
The Natchitoches Genealogical & Historical Association operates a research library, located on the second floor in the Old Courthouse building on the corner of Church and Second streets. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4pm; and on Saturday from 10 am to 4pm. Call (318) 357-2235 for more information.
