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With a revised statewide accountability system, parents and community members across the state are seeing changes in how schools are being evaluated by the Louisiana Department of Education. While change can feel uncertain, particularly when the numbers look different than what we’re used to, these updates to School Performance Scores offer families a clearer, more straightforward understanding of how schools are performing and where growth is expected to occur.
Here are a few highlights from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System regarding this year’s School Performance Scores, which were released on Nov. 20:
- EBR Schools received its highest School performance Score to date – 72.4 percent.
- It has the highest graduation rate in its history, earning the district a “B.”
- The strength of diploma earned an “A” – the first time in district history.
- 96 percent of schools earned an “A,” “B” or “C” in progress.
- 7 percent of district students earned Basic + Advanced Credentials – up 15.6 percent from last year.
- Scores are up in 88 percent of district-run high schools with multiple schools moving up a letter grade.
- Arlington Preparatory Academy earned an “A” and achieved a 100 percent graduation rate – up 22.6 points from last year.
- All alternative schools earned a “C” or better.
- 12 district schools were recognized for being in the top 10 percent for performance of students with disabilities, English learners and economically disadvantaged students.
- EBR Schools are ranked No. 10 in the state for growth.
Why the change?
In 2025, the way Louisiana measures school performance received an overhaul, bringing the whole focus to academic progress and readiness for life after high school. For kindergarten through 8th grade, the new formula focuses exclusively on LEAP assessments, ensuring the evaluation is firmly anchored in student learning. At the high school level, 75 percent of a school’s score now reflects LEAP results, while the remaining 25 percent combines graduation rates, ACT scores, dual enrollment, advanced coursework, and, for the first time, credit for students who commit to military service.
Traditionally, schools were graded out of 150 points, but the new system streamlines this to 100 points. This makes scores easier for everyone to understand and compare. Nevertheless, this simplification means initial numbers will likely be lower, not because schools or students are performing worse, but because the weighting and scale have changed.
“Don’t be alarmed by a new number that might be lower than what you’re used to seeing,” says Andrea O’Konski, Chief Officer of Accountability and Assessment for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. “The metrics have changed, and the focus is on growth over time.”
The 2025 scores set a new starting point against which districts can measure future success. Importantly, nothing has changed about the quality teaching and programming happening in schools every day. In fact, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System is investing in professional development, a new standards aligned curriculum and targeted support like high-dosage tutoring in areas where assessments have pointed to growth opportunities.
Supporting students for success
As scores are released – both under the old system and the new – parents can expect transparent communication from the district. Importantly, while some schools may see a lower numerical value, many will retain strong letter grades, thanks to a “curved” grading approach being used during the transition. The message to families remains clear, says O’Konski: “Watch us grow.”
Learn more at ebrschools.org.
