LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Two Acadiana school systems rank among the top 10 in the state for students scoring above mastery on the LEAP test, according to scores released today.

Louisiana State Superintendent Cade Brumley recently announced Lafayette and Vermilion schools, as well as Ascension Parish, Central Community Schools, West Feliciana, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Lincoln, St. Charles, Lafourche and Livingston Parishes as systems that achieved mastery of all content areas.

Most improved systems highlighted by the superintendent included Evangeline Parish schools, as well as Lincoln, East Carroll, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, Assumption, Bogalousa, Calcacieu, Concordia, Natchitoches, Orleans, Plaquemine, Richland, St John the Baptist and St. Tammany.

According to LEAP 2023 statewide assessments, 41% of students scored mastery and above on the assessment, surpassing Lafayette Parish's pre-COVID level of 38%. Over the last two years, LPSS has had cumulative growth of 3% in mastery or above.

LPSS Interim Superintendent Francis Touchet expressed his delight and gratitude for the accomplishment.

"Our team is appreciative of the hard work and dedication of all students, teachers, administrators, staff, board members, parents and all community stakeholders with whom we share this great honor," Touchet said. "We will always strive to put students first in every decision."

LPSS is the second largest district in the state to be recognized in the top 10.

All Louisiana public and charter school students in grades three through twelve are tested on academic standards for ELA (English language arts), math, science, and social studies. Student scores are reported as unsatisfactory, approaching basic, basic, mastery and advanced. Achieving a score of mastery or advanced is considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

Acadiana schools that saw a 10% or higher increase in mastery or above in grades 3-8, according to recent results, include:

• Edward J Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette, Lafayette Parish: 15% increase
• Ville Platte Elementary School, Evangeline Parish: 10% increase

Acadiana schools that saw a 10% or higher decrease in mastery or above in grades 3-8, according to recent results, include:

• Hattie A. Watts Elementary School, St. Mary Parish: 11% decrease
• Belle Place Elementary School, Iberia Parish: 12% decrease

Rankings were based on statewide assessments, including standardized tests and other performance evaluations. Parents can view individual student results on the LPSS Parent Portal. To better understand results, an interpretive guide can be found in Louisiana Department of Education's website.