Allen Parish schools maintained their B ranking on school performance scores, with nine of the parish’s 11 schools receiving an A or B letter grade, according to data released Monday by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Overall, parish test scores rose slightly from 84.5 percent in 2022 to 84.8 percent performance score on the state’s standardized test.

The district also scored above the statewide average of 78.5 percent.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of our administrators, students and families,” Superintendent Brad Solieau said. “While we are excited to see growth in some schools in different areas, we realize there are still some drops in other areas.”

As a district, Soileau said schools will continue to work in the classroom to bring assessment scores up and ensure that students are test ready.

“As a result of the Louisiana Department of Education adjusting the letter grade for 2023-2024, we recognize that we have much work ahead of us,” Solieau said in a statement. “This shift in the grading scale could have significant implications on our school performance score for our district and school.

“Though we are aware of the challenge that is ahead, we, in Allen, choose not to focus on the challenges that arise with the changing of letter grades,” he continued. “Instead, we will promote best practices in our schools and classrooms and support our leaders, teachers and staff to deliver an outstanding education for our students.”

He said the district will continue to monitor and look at ways to grow test scores in the future, including continuing to focus on literacy programs in all schools and preparing Special Education students for state testing.

Fairview and Oakdale high schools earned an overall “A” ranking. Elizabeth High, Kinder Elementary, Kinder High, Kinder Middle, Oberlin Elementary, Oberlin High and Reeves High schools achieved an overall “B” rating. Oakdale Elementary and Oakdale Middle schools received a “C” ranking.

There were no “D” or “F” ranked schools.

In addition, test scores show nine out of the 11 schools in the district increased their scores which are based on state assessments, growth index, graduation rates and program offerings.

The schools in Allen Parish with the most growth are Oberlin Elementary, 6.6 points and Oakdale Middle, 5.2 points.

Fairview High, Kinder Elementary, Kinder High and Oakdale Elementary were recognized as Top Gains schools. To achieve Top Gains status, students must show exceptional student progress in academic growth.

Three others, Fairview High, Oakdale High and Oberlin Elementary schools were named Opportunity Honorees, which means they performed in the 90th percentile or above for students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students or English learners.

 

The parish also ranked 4th in the early childhood community network in the state.