St. Landry Parish’s MACA Ranked No. 25 in Louisiana in 2024

OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) - The Louisiana Department of Education has released its 2024 school performance scores on Wednesday, and the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts (MACA) is not just a standout in St. Landry Parish—it’s among the best in Louisiana. With an SPS of 114.2, MACA ranks No. 25 in the state, earning an A grade and solidifying its position as one of Acadiana’s premier schools.

While MACA continues to set a high bar for academic and artistic excellence, St. Landry Parish as a whole received a C grade with a District Performance Score (DPS) of 74.3, highlighting areas for growth alongside successes.

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Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts: A Top 25 School in Louisiana

MACA’s ranking at No. 25 statewide is a testament to its unique approach to education. The academy’s blend of rigorous academics and specialized arts programs creates a dynamic learning environment where students excel. Parents and educators attribute the school’s success to its innovative curriculum, dedicated staff, and engaged student body.

This accomplishment positions MACA as a beacon of success not only for St. Landry Parish but also for the broader Acadiana region.

Other Standout Schools in St. Landry Parish

While MACA leads the way, several other schools in St. Landry Parish demonstrated commendable performance:

Leonville Elementary School: Maintained its B grade with an SPS of 86.1, reflecting steady improvement.
Grand Prairie Elementary School: Improved to an SPS of 79.4, up from 77.2, earning a C grade.
North Central High School: Earned a B grade with an SPS of 81.2, showing consistent achievement.

Year-Over-Year Trends in St. Landry Parish

St. Landry Parish saw mixed results across its schools:

Elementary Growth: Schools like Leonville Elementary and Grand Prairie Elementary posted gains, indicating efforts to strengthen foundational education.
Middle and High School Challenges: Schools like Opelousas Junior High and Opelousas Senior High struggled, with the latter seeing a decline in its SPS to 59.8, down from 61.2.

How St. Landry Parish Compares

When measured against neighboring parishes:

Iberia Parish: Earned a B grade with a DPS of 80.4, outpacing St. Landry Parish in overall performance.
St. Martin Parish: Improved to a B grade with a DPS of 76.6, placing slightly ahead of St. Landry.
Vermilion Parish: Led the Acadiana region with an A grade and a DPS of 90.3, reflecting consistent district-wide excellence.

What This Means for Parents

The 2024 scores offer valuable insights for families in St. Landry Parish:

A Beacon of Excellence: The Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts provides a model of success and opportunity, standing out not just locally but statewide.
Opportunities for Advocacy: Parents can engage with district leaders and schools to support areas that need improvement, particularly struggling middle and high schools.

Celebrating MACA’s success while addressing disparities across the district will be key to ensuring every student in St. Landry Parish has access to quality education.

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A Top School in Louisiana

The Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, with its No. 25 statewide ranking, exemplifies the best of what St. Landry Parish can achieve. As the district works to balance its successes with its challenges, schools like MACA serve as an inspiration for what’s possible when innovation, dedication, and community support come together.

As St. Landry Parish looks ahead to 2025, continued investment in education will be essential to sustaining progress and expanding opportunities for all students.