Norco Elementary and R.J. Vial Elementary schools improved from a “B” rating to an “A” rating in the latest school and district report card from the Louisiana Department of Education. St. Rose Elementary improved its “C” rating in the 2023 report card to a “B” rating in this year’s scores, according to the department’s report. Luling Elementary was the only school in the district to receive a “C” rating this year.
Overall, the St. Charles Parish Public Schools district earned a “B” letter grade, but it’s performance score of 89.7 put the district on the cusp of the 90-point threshold for an “A” rating. Performance scores are largely based on student scores on standardized tests like the LEAP assessment. Graduation rates and course offerings are also considered.
The district’s school letter grades now exceed pre-pandemic levels, according to Regina McMillan, a spokesperson for St. Charles Parish Public Schools.
The district moved from 13 “B” and two “C” schools before the pandemic to four “A” schools, 10 “B” schools, and one “C” school in 2023-2024.
Dr. Ken Oertling, superintendent for St. Charles Parish Public Schools, said in a press release that the district’s success is a result of every student, educator and family expecting and achieving excellence.
“While we are proud of the growth reflected in these numbers, they only scratch the surface of what our students accomplish every day,” he said. “This progress embodies their hard work, perseverance, and growth on the path to becoming responsible, productive citizens. Our focus remains on educating the whole child and supporting every step of their journey.”
Each year, the LDOE publishes performance scores for schools and districts, as required by federal law and the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
In June, BESE approved a new grading system for schools that emphasizes standardized assessments, such as LEAP, while reducing the impact of high school graduation rates, college credit attainment, and career or technical certifications, according to McMillan. The LDOE projects that 40 percent of schools statewide will receive a decline in letter grades under the new grading system, which will go into effect in 2026.
