Louisiana’s performance score and national rankings continue to rise.

This year, Louisiana earned a record-breaking national placement, moving one rank up to 40th in the U.S. News & World Report’s education ranking. Last year, the state jumped from 46th to 41st. This feat is amplified by the 2024 performance scores for state public schools and systems earlier this week by the Louisiana Department of Education.

The scores indicated a 1.7 statewide school performance point increase from 2023, from 78.5 to 80.2. This shows continuous post-pandemic growth, marking the second year in a row that Louisiana exceeded its pre-pandemic performance score.

In a statement, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley credited the progress to Louisiana teachers.

“A third consecutive year of growth is a testament to the many talented educators across our state and the student-first commitment from Gov. Landry, the Legislature, and our board,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 7 Representative Kevin Berken echoed this sentiment. He told the American Press these improvements are due to the teachers of Southwest Louisiana, and as growth continues, students will be granted more opportunities.

“We still have a long way to go but we are making great strides in uncharted ranking waters.  These continued year-over-year improvements will allow our students to be better prepared for a career or college,” he said. “I believe that we can and will continue to move up the ladder and the successes of this year, and previous years, will continue to improve.”

Calcasieu Parish

The Calcasieu Parish school district score increased by 1.4 points to 87.5, or a “B.” And for the first time in a number of years, no CPSB school received an “F” rating.

When it comes to the state’s accountability system progress tracking, every CPSB school earned a “C” or higher; 50 campuses earned an “A” or a “B.”

CPSB Superintendent Jason VanMetre said in a release that he and the district are “incredibly proud” of “incredible work” happening in the Calcasieu Parish school system.

“Our students, faculty and staff deserve all of the recognition for this growth in performance,” he said. “This is more than data. This is hard work. This is dedication. This is commitment.”

The schools that showed the greatest overall growth were Pearl Watson Elementary, 14.6 points; S.P. Arnett Middle, 12.4 points; Ralph Wilson Elementary, 12 points; J.J. Johnson, 8.9 points; College Oaks Elementary, 8.2 points; Gillis Elementary, 8.1 points.

Seven schools earned improved letter grades: Bell City High, College Oaks, J.J. Johnson, LeBlanc Elementary, Vinton High, Pearl Watson and Ralph Wilson.

In overall K-8 LEAP performance, the district improved by about two points.

CPSB high schools also showed significant improvement. Eight of the 11 high schools in the district showed growth.

“We can look at these numbers and know that we are headed in the right direction,” he said. “We have the best students, the best teachers, and the best staff right here in Calcasieu, and these numbers reflect just a small piece of how great our district truly is because of the people here.”