Summary:
The two elementary schools in the West Feliciana Parish school district—Bains Elementary School (grades 1-5) and Bains Lower Elementary School (grades PK-K)—form a highly effective educational pipeline in a district ranked 7th out of 116 parishes in Louisiana. Bains Elementary School is the standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 92nd percentile statewide. Its academic performance is exceptional, with 89% of students proficient in math and 83% proficient in English Language Arts, far exceeding state averages. The school has shown consistent improvement over three years, and its low chronic absenteeism rate of 10.7% (less than half the state average) points to strong student engagement.
Comparing the two schools reveals a strategic division of resources. Bains Lower Elementary School offers an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 6.3:1, nearly half that of Bains Elementary School (11:1), providing a highly personalized start for its youngest learners. While both schools serve a similar percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (around 44-47% receiving free/reduced lunch), the lower school’s chronic absenteeism is slightly higher at 13.9%. This suggests that as students move into the upper elementary grades, they become even more engaged in the school community.
A key takeaway is the remarkable consistency in academic excellence across grade levels at Bains Elementary School. Math proficiency is nearly identical in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, indicating a well-aligned curriculum. Social Studies stands out as a particular strength, with a 76% proficiency rate that is 21 points above the state average—the largest gap of any subject. This data shows that Bains Elementary School is the primary driver of the West Feliciana Parish district’s high ranking, creating a clear path from a nurturing early childhood environment to top-tier academic achievement.
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