Welcome to the Vernon Parish Schools. 

A new school year presents opportunities, new faces, and challenges.  Starting a new year gives us the opportunity to make new plans, new strategies, and implement new ideas.  We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure your children achieve their highest potential.  We recognize that in order to be successful in school, students, parents, and teachers need to work together.

We can be proud of what we achieve in Vernon Parish - in our classrooms, in our offices, on our playing fields and stages.  Vernon Parish Schools are ranked 7th in the State with a score of 92.7 on the State District Performance Score.  Our program is what it is because of a staff of dedicated men and women who have a common goal - to do what is best for students.  These administrators, teachers, and support staff are always looking for ways to achieve that goal.

I want to thank you for sharing your most precious gift - your child - with us.  We will strive to make this a great school year for all students, and I want to assure you that our staff strives for "Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes."

 

James Williams, Superintendent

Vernon Parish, located in western Louisiana, spans approximately 1,342 square miles, making it one of the larger parishes in the state by land area. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, it had a population of around 48,750 residents. Established in 1871 and named after George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, the parish seat and largest city is Leesville.

Vernon Parish is home to Fort Polk, a major U.S. Army installation that plays a central role in the local economy and culture. The parish is also known for its natural beauty, featuring dense pine forests and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities within the Kisatchie National Forest.

Communities in Vernon Parish include:

• Leesville – the parish seat and largest city

• Anacoco – a small village near Anacoco Lake

• Evans – located on the western side of the Parish, borders Texas, separated by the Sabine River

• Hicks –  antebellum period community on the Alexandria-Burr Ferry trace

• Hornbeck – located in the northern part of the parish

• Simpson – a rural village to the east of Leesville

• Pickering – named in 1898 by the W.R. Pickering Lumber Company

• Pitkin – rural community in the Southeast corner of Vernon Parish

• Rosepine – situated on the southern edge of the parish, partially extending into neighboring Beauregard Parish

These communities each contribute to the diverse character and history of Vernon Parish.

 

The Vernon Parish School District serves the educational needs of students in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. Headquartered in Leesville, the district is governed by the Vernon Parish School Board (VPSB) and is widely recognized for its strong academic performance, supportive community involvement, and commitment to both college and career readiness.

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🔹 District Facts

• Location: Western Louisiana

• Superintendent: James Williams

• Number of Schools: 18 public schools

• Student Population: 8,000 students

• Grades Served: Pre-K through 12th grade

• School Calendar: Traditional academic calendar (August to May)

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🏫 Schools in the District

✔️ Early Childhood-Birth to 5 Schools

• East Early Childhood Learning Center
• North Early Childhood Learning Center

 

​​​​​​​✔️ Elementary Schools

Serve elementary grades, focusing on foundational literacy, math, and social development.

• Anacoco Elementary (PK-6)

• Rosepine Elementary (PK-6)

• Parkway Elementary (K-4)

• Pickering Elementary (PK-6)

• West Leesville Elementary (K-4)

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✔️ Middle Schools / Junior High

Serve grades 5 through 8, offering a bridge between elementary and high school with a strong emphasis on core subjects and early career exploration.

• Vernon Middle School (5-6)

• Leesville Junior High (7-8)

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✔️ High Schools

Mostly Serve grades 7 through 12 and offer a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement (AP), dual enrollment, and career & technical education.

• Leesville High School (9-12)

• Rosepine High School (7-12)

• Anacoco High School (7-12)

• Pickering High School (7-12)​​​​​​​

 

✔️ Community Schools

Typically serve grades PK through 12 in our rural communities. They offer a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement (AP), dual enrollment, and career & technical education. They are a central hub of activities in their communitities.

• Evans High School

• Hicks High School

• Hornbeck High School

• Pitkin High School

• Simpson High School

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🎓 Academic Highlights

• High Performance: Vernon Parish schools consistently rank among the top-performing districts in Louisiana.

• College & Career Readiness: Strong participation in the Jump Start program, which prepares students for both postsecondary education and the workforce.

• Advanced Programs: Opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment courses with local colleges.

• Military Community Support: Due to the proximity of Fort Polk, the district offers tailored support for military-connected families and students.

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🛠️ Career & Technical Education (CTE)

The district offers vocational and technical training through partnerships with local industry and Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC). Pathways may include:

• Welding

• Healthcare

• Information Technology

• Automotive Technology

• Agriculture and more

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🚌 Transportation & Services

• Bus Transportation: Provided to all eligible students

• Special Education Services: Available in compliance with federal and state regulations

• Meal Programs: All Students eat FREE. Breakfast and lunch programs follow USDA nutrition guidelines. 

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🌟 Community & Culture

Vernon Parish Schools benefit from:

• Strong community support

• Close ties with Fort Polk

• Active parent-teacher organizations

• Emphasis on student character development, leadership, and civic engagement

 

25-26 Notice of Charter School Application Process