High Schools in Terrebonne Parish

This analysis examines the four public high schools in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, serving grades 9-12, which together enroll over 4,300 students in a district ranked 25th out of 116 in the state.

For parents, South Terrebonne High School stands out as the top academic performer, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking 92nd in Louisiana. Its Algebra I proficiency rate of 86% is a remarkable 19 points above the district average, and it also boasts the highest graduation rate (86.1%) and the lowest dropout rate (3.3%). In contrast, Ellender Memorial High School faces the most significant challenges, with a 2-star rating, the lowest graduation rate (75.8%), and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (41.4%). Terrebonne High School, the largest school with 1,346 students, is a consistent performer and notably excels in Geometry, outperforming both district and state averages. H. L. Bourgeois High School has seen a decline in its state ranking over three years, dropping from the 71st to the 54th percentile, and has the highest dropout rate in the parish at 4.2%.

A key takeaway is a parish-wide chronic absenteeism crisis, with all four schools exceeding the state average of 22.5%, and the district average sitting at 36.0%. Additionally, there is a clear link between socioeconomic factors and performance, as schools with higher percentages of students receiving free/reduced lunch tend to have lower academic outcomes. While South Terrebonne has the lowest poverty rate (58.99%) and highest achievement, Ellender Memorial has the highest poverty rate (81.2%) and faces the steepest hurdles. This data provides a clear picture for parents comparing schools in the area.