Early College Academy: Louisiana’s No. 1 School in 2024 Scores

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - The 2024 Louisiana school performance scores are out, and Lafayette Parish has much to celebrate. Leading the charge is Early College Academy, which earned a School Performance Score (SPS) of 138, the highest in the state. This remarkable achievement places the school at the very top of Louisiana’s rankings, cementing its reputation for academic excellence and college readiness.

While Early College Academy’s performance steals the spotlight, Lafayette Parish as a whole has also demonstrated consistent progress, earning a District Performance Score (DPS) of 87.5, maintaining a solid B grade, and outperforming the state average of 80.2.

Early College Academy: A Model for Success

Early College Academy’s SPS of 138 reflects its commitment to preparing students for post-secondary education. The school’s dual enrollment program, which allows students to earn college credits while completing their high school diplomas, has been instrumental in its success.

Parents and educators alike attribute the school’s achievements to its rigorous curriculum, dedicated staff, and motivated student body. As one of the most sought-after schools in Lafayette Parish, Early College Academy continues to set a benchmark for excellence not just locally, but statewide.

Other Standout Schools in Lafayette Parish

While Early College Academy leads the way, several other Lafayette Parish schools also delivered strong performances:

Lafayette High School: Improved its SPS to 101.3 from 98.8, maintaining its A grade and further solidifying its standing as a top high school in Acadiana.
Ernest Gallet Elementary: Achieved an SPS of 99.4, up from 96.9, earning an A grade.
Milton Elementary School: Increased its SPS to 98.1, continuing its tradition of excellence with another A grade.

Acadiana Region: More Top Schools

The Acadiana region also saw noteworthy achievements, with several schools ranking among the best in Louisiana:

Egan Elementary School (Acadia Parish): Scored an impressive 102.2, earning an A grade and improving from 98.9 last year.
Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts (St. Landry Parish): Posted a strong SPS of 114.2, standing out as one of the top magnet schools in the state.
Vermilion Parish: Received an A grade as a district, with a DPS of 90.3, reflecting district-wide excellence.

Year-Over-Year Trends in Lafayette Parish

Lafayette Parish showed a mix of progress and challenges in 2024:

High Schools Shine: Alongside Early College Academy, Lafayette High School continued to excel, posting year-over-year gains in its SPS.
Elementary Success Stories: Schools like Ernest Gallet Elementary and Milton Elementary maintained their upward momentum with solid improvements.
Middle Schools Need Attention: Some middle schools, including Carencro Middle, experienced a decline, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

How Lafayette Parish Stands Out

Lafayette Parish’s performance not only surpasses the state average but also reinforces its position as a leader in Acadiana:

Above Average DPS: The district’s DPS of 87.5 places it well above Louisiana’s average of 80.2.
Consistent Improvement: With schools like Lafayette High and Ernest Gallet Elementary making steady gains, Lafayette Parish demonstrates a commitment to progress.

However, disparities persist between high-performing schools and those needing additional support, such as Alice N. Boucher Elementary, which posted a D grade for the second consecutive year.

What This Means for Parents

For parents in Lafayette Parish, the 2024 performance scores provide a clear picture of the district’s strengths and areas for growth:

Exceptional Choices: Early College Academy and Lafayette High offer premier academic opportunities for high school students.
Rising Elementary Schools: Schools like Ernest Gallet and Milton Elementary continue to deliver top-tier education for younger students.
Advocacy Matters: Schools facing challenges, such as Alice N. Boucher Elementary, need community support and resources to improve outcomes for their students.

Parents can use this information to make informed decisions about their children’s education while advocating for continued investment in all Lafayette Parish schools.

Standout Year for LPSS

Early College Academy’s recognition as Louisiana’s top school is a testament to the talent and dedication found within Lafayette Parish. With steady gains across the district and standout performances in high schools and elementary schools alike, Lafayette Parish remains a beacon of educational excellence in Acadiana.

While challenges remain, the district’s overall performance underscores its commitment to providing quality education for all students. As Lafayette Parish looks to 2025, parents, educators, and administrators can take pride in these achievements while continuing to strive for even greater success.