Summary:
The 11 schools in Thibodaux, LA (zip code 70301) serve students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and are part of the highly-rated Lafourche Parish school district, which ranks 16th out of 116 districts in Louisiana. The area presents a stark contrast in educational outcomes, with a cluster of exceptional 5-star schools and a separate group of schools facing significant challenges, making it essential for parents to carefully compare options.
The standout performers include Bayou Community Academy Charter School, which is the highest-performing school in the area, ranking in the 98th percentile statewide with extraordinary test scores and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate at just 4.4%. Other top-tier schools are Chackbay Elementary School, Bayou Boeuf Elementary School, and Sixth Ward Middle School, all earning 5-star ratings with math proficiency rates between 85% and 92%. In contrast, Thibodaux Middle School is a 2-star school with only 53% math proficiency and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (29.0%), while W.S. Lafargue Elementary School and C.M. Washington Elementary School also struggle with test scores well below district averages. The only high school, Thibodaux High School, is a solid 3-star school with an 88.2% graduation rate, though its 28.0% chronic absenteeism rate is a concern.
A key takeaway is the strong link between chronic absenteeism and academic performance: the four highest-performing schools average just 10.9% absenteeism, while the four lowest-performing schools average 24.5%. The middle school gap is particularly pronounced, with Sixth Ward Middle School thriving while Thibodaux Middle School lags far behind. The Virtual Academy of Lafourche offers an alternative option with a unique online model, showing mixed test results but a graduation rate similar to Thibodaux High. Overall, parents in this area will find excellent options in the rural and suburban schools, but should be aware of the challenges facing schools in the urban core.
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