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Louisiana schools fared better overall last year than they did before the pandemic, according to data released by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Schools across the state received an average score of 80 out of 150 points for the 2024 year. This is the third year in a row that the state average score has increased. 

Each year, the state gives schools and districts scores and letter grades majorly based on student test scores, graduation rates and course offerings.To earn an A, schools must get 90 or more points.

“In recent years, the state has invested in the science of reading through training for teachers and high-dosage tutoring. It’s now doing the same for math,” Cade Brumley, State Superintendent of Education said in a statement.”A third consecutive year of growth is a testament to the many talented educators across our state and the student-first commitment from Gov. Landry, the legislature and our board.”

Under the current grading system, 90-150 points earns an A, 75-89 points is a B, 60-74 points is a C, 50-59 points is a D and 0-49 points is an F.

Public schools in St John the Baptist Parish maintained their performance score for the second year in a row. The highest ranked school grew 4 points to 76, keeping a B grade with just one point.

Several schools in the parish had marginally improved scores like Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, which rose 4 points from last year, making it one of the schools that improved the most. There were no F-rated schools in the parish this year.

“In St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools, it is our goal to eliminate barriers that prohibit our teachers and scholars from achieving excellence in the classroom,” said St John the Baptist Parish Public School Superintendent Cleo Perry, Jr on the school board’s website. Cleo is in his first year as superintendent.

Louisiana’s board of education recently approved a more stringent rating system which will take effect in the 2026 school year, according to Brumley. This year, nearly three-quarters of high schools earned A or B grades, even though most students didn’t meet state standards. Under the new system, it is expected that  80 percent of high schools will see their grades decrease under the new system.