Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools in the 70607 zip code of Lake Charles, Louisiana, which serve grades from PK-5 to PK-8 and include a mix of traditional public schools from the Calcasieu Parish and Cameron Parish districts, as well as two charter schools.
Grand Lake Elementary is the standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 90th percentile statewide with exceptional proficiency rates of 87% in Math and 90% in ELA. In contrast, Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy is the lowest-ranked school with a 1-star rating and the lowest math proficiency at 36%. M. J. Kaufman Elementary School stands out for its impressive improvement, rising from the 47th to the 69th percentile despite a high poverty rate of 82%, while Brentwood Elementary School faces significant challenges with the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the area at 38.2%. The two charter schools, Lake Charles Charter Academy and Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy, show mixed results, with the former earning a 2-star rating and the latter struggling at the bottom of the rankings.
Key metrics reveal wide disparities: Math proficiency ranges from 36% to 87%, and the average free/reduced lunch rate across all schools is 75.15%, with Grand Lake at 44% and Brentwood at 93%. Chronic absenteeism averages 22.3%, but three schools exceed the state average. Social Studies is a universal weak point, with proficiency as low as 29% at Henry Heights Elementary School. Notably, M.J. Kaufman demonstrates that high performance is achievable despite high poverty, while Brentwood’s combination of high poverty and extreme absenteeism creates compounding difficulties. Overall, families should consider Grand Lake for top-tier academics, M.J. Kaufman for strong improvement, and be aware of the significant challenges at Brentwood and Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.
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