Summary:
This analysis examines three elementary schools (Grades K-4) in zip code 70535 (Eunice, LA), all part of the St. Landry Parish school district, which serves a high-poverty community where 86-88% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
East Elementary School is the standout performer in the area, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 58th percentile statewide. It significantly outperforms its local peers, with 64% of students proficient in Math and 75% in ELA—well above the district averages of 55% and 67%, respectively. Despite a recent decline from a 4-star rating, East remains the top choice. In contrast, Glendale Elementary School has experienced a dramatic collapse, dropping from a 3-star school (59th percentile) in 2023-2024 to a 1-star school (13th percentile) in 2025-2026. Eunice Elementary School is the most concerning, with the lowest enrollment (188), a 1-star rating, and the highest chronic absenteeism rate at 35.0%—12.5 points above the state average. Its performance has been consistently low for three years, indicating a systemic problem.
A key takeaway is that poverty is not destiny: all three schools have nearly identical poverty rates, yet East Elementary achieves far higher test scores, suggesting factors like teaching quality and leadership drive its success. Chronic absenteeism also presents a paradox: Glendale has the lowest absenteeism (22.7%) but the worst academic decline, while Eunice has the highest absenteeism and low performance. Social Studies is a universal weakness across the area, with all schools falling below the state average of 55%. East Elementary is the only school outperforming its district in every subject, making it a potential model for best practices within the St. Landry Parish district.
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