Belle Chasse Academy

Belle Chasse Academy is a public elementary school serving 773 students in grades PK-8, located on the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse, LA, and operates as its own single-school district ranked 3rd out of 116 districts in Louisiana.

This school stands out as an academic powerhouse with exceptional test scores that far exceed state averages. In the 2025-2026 school year, 86% of students were proficient in mathematics (compared to 62% statewide), 85% in English language arts (versus 70% statewide), and 80% in social studies (versus 55% statewide). These scores are dramatically higher than nearby schools in Jefferson Parish, such as Shirley Johnson/Gretna Park Elementary School and Woodland West School, which typically score 20-40 points lower. The school also boasts a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.7%, compared to the state average of 22.5% and rates of 19-28% at nearby Jefferson Parish schools like Woodmere School and Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish. Even the closest peer, Belle Chasse Elementary School in Plaquemines Parish, has an absenteeism rate more than double that of the Academy.

The school maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 12.3:1, significantly lower than many nearby schools, and has demonstrated consistent academic performance over the past four years, with math and English proficiency rates hovering between 85% and 92%. While the school has historically earned a 5-star rating, its current 4-star rating (87th percentile) still places it among the top schools in the state. The unique military base environment contributes to a highly structured and supportive community, which is reflected in the school's outstanding performance for Hispanic students, ranking 4th out of 207 schools statewide for this subgroup in 2024-2025. This combination of high achievement, low absenteeism, and strong community support makes Belle Chasse Academy an academic island of excellence in a region facing significant educational challenges.