DeSoto Serves to make a difference in the lives of our students by instilling a sense of community and responsibility, providing a positive and collaborative culture, and promoting excellence through innovative educational experiences and service to others.

Superintendent's Message

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to be ranked 2nd in the state for district performance by the Louisiana Department of Education! Hear from Superintendent Clay Corley as he shares more about this incredible accomplishment and the dedication that made it possible. Happy Holidays! #TheDeSotoDifference #BetterTogether

Great News

DeSoto Parish Schools Rises to Second in Louisiana State Rankings

On November 20, 2024, the Louisiana Department of Education publicly released the 2023-2024 School and District Performance Scores. DeSoto ranks second in the state of Louisiana and is one of only eleven school systems with an overall rating of “A.”

DeSoto received a District Performance Score of 95.8, an increase of 2.1 points from the previous year. The District Performance Score is calculated by combining performance in LEAP 2025 state assessments for grades 3-8 and high school courses, ACT scores, graduation rates, strength of diploma, and interests and opportunities. DeSoto Parish Schools ranks second overall in the Progress Index with a letter grade of “A” and an index of 96.5 and ranks first in the state in graduation rate at 99.1%.

“This achievement reflects the sound commitment of our students, educators, families, and communities to achieving excellence in our schools. Moving to 2nd in Louisiana’s rankings speaks to the hard work and perseverance of everyone in DeSoto Parish Schools. Together, we are setting and meeting the standards of achievement when we prioritize our students’ learning and success,” said DeSoto Parish School Board President Dr. Neil Henderson.

Logansport High School, Mansfield High School, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School earned an “A” letter grade for overall SPS. Six schools earned an A in student growth. Those schools are Mansfield Elementary, Mansfield High School, North DeSoto Lower Elementary, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School.

The Louisiana Department of Education also awards designations to individual schools. The “Top Gains” designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in student progress from one year to the next. Mansfield High School, Mansfield Elementary, North DeSoto Lower Elementary, North DeSoto Upper Elementary, North DeSoto Middle School, and North DeSoto High School were all awarded this honor.

The distinction of “Opportunity Honoree” is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in educating students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students, which were awarded to Mansfield High School, North DeSoto High School, North DeSoto Middle School, and North Upper Elementary. For the second consecutive year, Mansfield Elementary showed the most significant increase in overall SPS with a 6.2 point increase, totaling a 14.9 point increase in two years.

“Our students, teachers, support staff, and administrators continue to inspire with dedication to the daily work that makes such a difference in the lives of students. The commitment of our school and district teams to serve, support, and guide our students as they learn and grow is the very essence of our mission,” said Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning. “This accomplishment showcases the strong work ethic and passion of our school communities.”

This achievement highlights the incredible effort and dedication of our teachers, students, staff, and school community,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “It’s a testament to the power of teamwork, the support of our school board, and a shared focus on ensuring the best outcomes for our children. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students.”

New Teacher Experience: Para to Professional

There are many paths by which educators travel to become a new teacher. In DeSoto Parish, we are happy to welcome and support all. Hear from Ms. LaTasha Freeman in Part 1 of our 4- part series as she shares her journey as a Paraprofessional for 16 years to a first- year teacher. As you listen to her story, enjoy the sights and energy of her kindergarten classroom.

District Happenings

Garrett Hartley, Super Bowl Champion visits LHS

Excitement is in the air as we gear up for the LHSAA High School Football Playoffs! 🏆 DeSoto Parish Schools would like to give a special shoutout to former NFL Kicker and Super Bowl Champion with the New Orleans Saints, Garrett Hartley, for visiting Logansport High School. Garrett shared invaluable insights and experiences with our very own Alex Espinoza, Logansport’s newly minted kicker, providing inspiration and encouragement as Alex steps up for the Tigers! 🐅

Thank you, Garrett, for making a difference in our community and showing our students that dreams are within reach with dedication and hard work. Let’s bring the DeSoto spirit to the field!

Check out the awesome highlight video below:

DeSoto Parish Honors Their Veterans

In November, DeSoto Parish Schools come together to honor and recognize the men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. Across our campuses, heartfelt programs and ceremonies provide students and staff an opportunity to express gratitude to our veterans for their sacrifices and service.

From student-led tributes and patriotic performances to guest speakers sharing personal stories of bravery, these events highlight the significance of Veterans Day and the values it represents. Our schools aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our nation's heroes, teaching students the importance of respect, gratitude, and civic responsibility.

This November, we salute all those who have served and continue to serve. Thank you for protecting the freedoms we cherish.

Annual Special Olympics Event

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the Special Olympics event at Logansport High School!

Our community came together to cheer on some truly inspiring athletes from around the parish. From the energy in the crowd to the high-fives on the field, this event reminded us all of the heart and support that make our small-town traditions so special.

Our students, staff, and volunteers filled the day with warmth and encouragement, creating a positive, caring environment where every participant felt like a star. The joy on the athletes’ faces and the pride in our supporters reflected the very spirit of DeSoto Parish – where we uplift each other, celebrate our neighbors, and honor traditions that make us a family.

Mansfield Students Pack 150 Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Students at Mansfield Elementary School got some help from staff and some students from MHS earlier this month as they helped organize some gifts to be donated to Operation Christmas Child. A project of Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child collects gifts and other essential items in shoeboxes and distributes them around the world to people in need.

Students packed, toys, toiletries, clothing items, and more in shoe boxes that will find their way to the people who need them most. This activity is a great way to demonstrate the core values of our district including making a difference, small town traditions, and maintaining a positive and caring culture beyond the classroom!

Puentes Leads Series on US School System

Puentes is leading a 6-weeks series in Spanish for families to learn about the US school system.
Not only will parents benefit from a community of other HS students' parents, they will learn how to support their EL learners through high school. The series is on zoom, so parents all over Louisiana can participate!

Interested families should contact julie@puentesnola.org or by calling 504-688-9610.

Dates to Remember

Nov. 25- 29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 2 - Student Parent Teacher Conferences - Virtual Day for Students
Dec. 20 - Staff Work Day
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - Christmas Break

Important Resources

We have compiled a list of resources to help you throughout the school year! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to fill out the "Ask a Question" form on our website.