Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools in zip code 70065 (Kenner, Louisiana), serving grades PK-5 through PK-8, all part of the Jefferson Parish school district, an area characterized by high economic need where 63% to 74% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
A.C. Alexander School stands out as the top academic performer, exceeding district averages in all core subjects and being the only school to meet or exceed the state average in ELA (68%). It also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (13.1%), defying its high economic disadvantage rate. Chateau Estates School excels in upper grades, with the highest proficiency in 7th and 8th Grade ELA and Social Studies, and is the only school offering Algebra I with a 90% proficiency rate. In contrast, Tom Benson School faces significant challenges, with the lowest state rank (11th percentile), highest chronic absenteeism (28.2%), and lowest test scores across all subjects. Walter Schneckenburger Elementary School shows a concerning two-year decline in rank and test scores, while G.T. Woods School and Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School perform below district averages.
Key metrics reveal that the average proficiency across all schools is below district and state averages in Math (47.4%), ELA (56.3%), and Social Studies (42.7%), with Social Studies being a universal weakness. A striking "8th grade cliff" in mathematics sees every school serving 8th grade experience a dramatic drop in proficiency from 7th grade, suggesting a systemic curriculum challenge. The average chronic absenteeism rate is 19.7%, with a strong inverse relationship to academic performance, and the average student-teacher ratio is a favorable 12.4:1.
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