Louisiana Students Score 7 Points Above State Average on LEAP

Students in Lafayette Parish are proving that showing up matters, scoring seven percentage points higher than Louisiana's state average on this year's LEAP assessments.

The district celebrated as 43% of students hit mastery or above on the 2025-26 tests, compared to just 36% statewide. Every grade level showed improvement in science, social studies, and math.

The gains come as Lafayette Parish School System sees more students filling classroom seats. Attendance rates climbed year over year, reinforcing what educators have long known: kids learn best when they're present and engaged.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate our students and the educators who support them," said Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. "Their success reflects tremendous effort across our schools."

The timing couldn't be better for Lafayette students. Louisiana just rolled out a new accountability system that counts only mastery-level scores toward school performance ratings. Below-mastery scores no longer earn points, raising the bar for districts across the state.

Lafayette's results buck that pressure, showing consistent academic progress that stretches back multiple years. The district has made growth one of its four core values, baking improvement into everything from lesson plans to leadership meetings.

The Ripple Effect

Behind these numbers are thousands of teachers adjusting their instruction, parents getting kids to school on time, and students putting in the work day after day. When one district finds success, it creates a roadmap for others facing similar challenges.

Lafayette's focus on attendance appears to be paying dividends beyond test scores. Research shows students who attend school regularly develop stronger relationships with teachers and peers, building confidence that carries into adulthood.

The district isn't resting on this year's wins. Leaders say they're already planning how to build on the momentum and reach students who haven't hit mastery yet.

For families in Lafayette Parish, the message is clear: their schools are moving in the right direction, and every student who walks through those doors matters.