Public Schools

The Natchitoches Parish School System includes preschools, five elementary (K-8) and three high schools (9-12). The schools have a comprehensive program to encourage gifted students, 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. In addition, the NSU Elementary Laboratory School and the NSU Middle Laboratory School, located on the campus of Nort hwestern State University, operate within the parish school system and experiment with new teaching methods and the development of innovative educational programs. Natchitoches Parish Schools - www.nat.k12.la.us

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts

Located on the campus of Northwestern State University, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts is a boarding school for Louisiana’s most academically gifted students. Current enrollment is approximately 400 sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts - www.lsmsa.edu

Private Schools

There are several church - affiliated schools in Natchitoches Parish that provide an alternative for students not attending public schools. Trinity Episcopal (pre-school), Victory Assembly of God Church, 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 state-funded Louisiana Technical College. Instruction is offered in 16 different courses of study. The school also will design courses and special programs to meet the employee training needs of local businesses. The area high schools also offer some vocational training.

Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University (NSU) 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. NSU currently offers more than 50 accredited degree programs, both graduate and undergraduate programs of study, along with general opportunities for research and individual study in a variety of fields.

A comprehensive athletic program provides opportunities for participation in intercollegiate and intramural teams for football, basketball, baseball and other sports.

The Northwestern campus is also home to the Louisiana Scholars' College, the state's designated honors college for the study of the liberal arts and sciences. Northwestern State University - www.nsula.edu