Summary:
The 13 schools in Baton Rouge's 70815 zip code, serving elementary through high school grades within the East Baton Rouge Parish district and two charter networks, present a starkly divided educational landscape where a few standout performers dramatically outshine the majority of struggling schools.
The most exceptional school is Sherwood Middle Academic Academy, a 5-star school ranking in the 98th percentile with extraordinary 94% math and 92% social studies proficiency, alongside a remarkably low 5.5% chronic absenteeism rate. In contrast, the two charter schools—GEO Prep Academy of Greater Baton Rouge and GEO Next Generation High School—consistently outperform their district-run counterparts, with GEO Next Generation achieving the highest graduation rate (87.3%) and lowest chronic absenteeism (0.4%) in the zip code. The alternative schools face the most severe challenges: Northdale Superintendent's Academy has a 70.9% chronic absenteeism rate and only 11.4% graduation rate, while IDEA Bridge also struggles with 51.4% absenteeism and low test scores. The two traditional high schools, Broadmoor Senior High School and Belaire High School, both hold 0-star ratings with graduation rates around 68-70%.
The elementary schools show wide variability: Broadmoor Elementary School (57% math) and Twin Oaks Elementary School (61% math) approach state averages, while LaBelle Aire Elementary School (33% math) and Villa del Rey Elementary School (50% math) lag significantly behind. The average chronic absenteeism rate across all schools is 30.4%, double the state average, and this directly correlates with poor academic outcomes. The average free/reduced lunch rate of 72% underscores the socioeconomic challenges facing the community, making Sherwood Middle's success—achieved with nearly 50% economically disadvantaged students—particularly noteworthy as a potential model for improvement.
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