Louisiana public school performance improves for fourth straight year

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has announced that the state's School and District Performance Scores for the 2024-2025 academic year have increased for the fourth consecutive year. The statewide performance score reached 80.9, which is more than five points higher than in 2021 and nearly a full point above last year's result.

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley commented on the results, stating, “Four years of steady growth is a testament to Louisiana teachers, leaders, students, and families. This progress shows what’s possible when we remain focused on strong instruction and improved academic outcomes.”

According to LDOE data, 21 percent of schools received an A grade, while 31 percent earned a B, 32 percent a C, 12 percent a D, and 4 percent an F. Among elementary and middle schools, 44 percent achieved an A or B grade; for high schools, this figure was 70 percent.

This marks the final year that performance scores will be calculated using the current accountability system. The formula has faced criticism for being outdated and difficult to understand. Starting next year, Louisiana will implement a new accountability model called Grow. Achieve. Thrive., which aims to set higher expectations for student performance with clearer measures focusing on readiness for careers, college, or military service.

Under the new system, schools will be evaluated based on three criteria: students’ annual academic progress (Grow), proficiency in key subjects (Achieve), and graduation preparedness (Thrive). Simulated scores using this revised formula have been released to give schools insight into how their results may change under the new approach.

In addition to K-12 school performance data, LDOE also published Early Childhood Performance Profiles for programs serving children from birth to age five. The latest figures show a statewide rating of 5.54—an increase from last year—with over 95% of early childhood sites rated as Proficient or higher.

Individual school and district performance scores are available on the LDOE website, along with lists highlighting top-performing systems and schools across achievement and growth categories.