Atkins Elementary School’s F Rating Sparks Community Concern

Students in an elementary school classroom engaged in learning activities.

News Summary

Atkins Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana, has maintained an F rating for 14 years, raising concerns among residents. The community questions why the school remains open despite its long-standing issues, with debates about political motives and the need for a new approach to education emerging. As Caddo Parish Schools remain tight-lipped, challenges in certification rates among teachers and student support also highlight pressing issues. Amid these circumstances, the school community hopes recent changes will lead to improvement as standardized testing approaches.

Atkins Elementary School Faces Scrutiny Over Long-Term F Rating

In the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana, the community is buzzing with questions about Atkins Elementary School, which has held an alarming F-rating for an unprecedented 14 consecutive years. This long-standing failure in school performance scores has sparked conversations among residents about the future of the school, especially in light of recent closures of other local schools like Sunset Acres and Werner Park Elementary.

Community Voices Unite

People are scratching their heads, wondering why Atkins has remained operational while other schools have been shuttered. A former employee of the Caddo Parish School system has raised a compelling argument, suggesting that the school’s ongoing existence is more about politics than about providing quality education. This sentiment echoes through the community as many express frustration over what they perceive as a lack of thoughtful planning, particularly regarding transportation for students if Atkins were to close.

Moreover, community activist Craig Lee has pointed to the political motives behind the school’s continued operation. He argues that what the school truly needs is a fresh perspective on how education is delivered—not just for students at Atkins, but for students across the district.

What’s Being Done?

In response to these pressing concerns, Caddo Parish Schools have been tight-lipped, opting not to comment on speculation about school closures. They assure the community that they are dedicated to providing support tailored to individual student needs, but the question lingers: is this enough?

In fact, the Louisiana Department of Education has clarified that decisions about closing schools come down to local officials, leaving the community feeling powerless yet hopeful for change. Meanwhile, a district committee has proposed the potential closure of the 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center, with plans to transfer its students to Atkins after the 2025-26 school year. This addition raises even more eyebrows among parents and local residents alike.

Challenges in the Classroom

Atkins is facing a myriad of challenges. A staggering 39% of the teachers are certified, and the school is incurring greater costs per student than other schools in the area. All these factors contribute to the struggles faced by the students enrolled there. Even the Superintendent recognizes that school closures are based on multiple criteria beyond mere letter grades alone, emphasizing the importance of addressing the broader needs of the students.

The situation is compounded by the fact that many children attending Atkins come from difficult home environments. These challenges can severely impact their academic focus and performance. In light of these obstacles, a new principal has taken the reins this year, setting up a special planning room for teachers. This collaborative space aims to foster discussions aimed at assessing and strategizing around each student’s needs.

A New Approach to Student Support

Principal Rachenda Douglas understands the power of data-driven instruction, advocating for teachers to engage in discussions about student performance. This initiative reflects a broader goal at the school to provide comprehensive support in multiple dimensions—academic, emotional, and health-related—while also ensuring a strong connection with parents to amplify student success.

All schools in the district, including Atkins, are gearing up for the state’s standardized tests scheduled for April. The outcomes of this testing will play a significant role in determining the school’s performance score, which will be evaluated in October. As the school year progresses, the community eagerly watches to see whether the changes and efforts being implemented at Atkins will bear fruit.

The collective hopes and expectations of the Shreveport community rest on the shoulders of Atkins Elementary School. As the pressure mounts and voices grow stronger, the future of the school remains to be seen—one thing is clear: residents are ready to advocate for a brighter educational future.