Summary:
In zip code 70123, covering the Harahan and River Ridge areas, there are two public elementary schools serving grades PK through 8 within the Jefferson Parish school district, which is ranked in the 43rd percentile statewide.
Harahan School is the standout performer in this area, ranking in the 46th percentile (376 out of 690) for the 2025-2026 school year, a notable improvement from the 39th percentile the previous year. It consistently outperforms Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff School, which ranks in the 30th percentile (481 out of 690). Harahan leads in overall proficiency across Math (58%), ELA (69%), and Social Studies (56%), often matching or exceeding state averages, particularly in 6th and 7th grade Math and ELA. However, Hazel Park has a significantly lower chronic absenteeism rate (16.4% vs. 21.9%) and a much lower dropout rate (1.2% vs. 5.3%), though the dropout metric for a PK-8 school is unusual and may warrant further investigation.
Both schools serve a similar demographic, with approximately 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. A key differentiator is the "middle school performance gap": Harahan excels in 6th and 7th grade, while Hazel Park shows a surprising strength in 8th-grade Math (66% vs. Harahan's 44%). Despite Hazel Park's lower absenteeism, its overall academic performance trails Harahan, suggesting instructional or curricular factors may be at play. For parents, Harahan offers stronger overall academics and a rising state ranking, while Hazel Park provides better attendance and a notably lower dropout rate, making each school a distinct choice depending on a family's priorities.
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