JP Schools Improves District Performance Score for First Time in Four Years
Jefferson Parish Schools improved on its state report card for the first time since 2015. JP Schools’ District Performance Score (DPS) increased to a 71.5 as the Louisiana Department of Education released District and School Performance Scores for the 2018-19 school year today.
“I credit our educators and community for achieving this improvement for students and families,” said JP School Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. ”Their hard work and commitment to our kids flipped the trajectory of our public school system.”
JP Schools’ DPS equates to a letter grade of a C. Growth is a common theme on the system’s school and district report cards. JP Schools earned a B letter grade on its growth DPS, which measures if students progress a year academically for a year’s worth of instruction.
The state recognized 26 Jefferson schools - 32% of the district - as Top Gains, meaning they showed exceptional student growth. Twelve JP schools were also named Equity Honorees, which means they performed in the 90th percentile or above for students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and/or English learners.
Seven schools improved their letter grade. Alexander Elementary, C.T. Janet Elementary, and John Ehret High improved from a C to a B. Collins Elementary and Jefferson Rise improved from a D to a C. Gretna Middle and Livaudais Middle improved from an F to a D.
In addition, eight schools improved their School Performance Score by five points or higher. Those schools are: Adams Middle, Allen Ellender School, Bissonet Plaza Elementary, George Cox Elementary, J.C. Ellis Elementary, Fisher, Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff Elementary, and Higgins High.
Four of Louisiana’s top 10 public schools are from Jefferson Parish. Patrick Taylor Academy ranked second, Haynes Academy ranked fifth, Thomas Jefferson Academy ranked sixth, and Metairie Academy ranked tenth.
Nine schools earned an A rating: Airline Park Academy, Gretna No. 2 Academy, Haynes Academy, Metairie Academy, Patrick Taylor Academy, Riverdale High, Ruppel Academy, St. Pierre Academy, and Thomas Jefferson Academy.
Fifteen schools earned a B rating: Alexander Elementary, Bridgedale Elementary, Chateau Estates School, C.T. Janet Elementary, Ellis Elementary, Fisher, Grand Isle School, Harahan Elementary, John Ehret High, Keller Elementary, Kenner Discovery, Kerner Elementary, Rudolph Matas School, Schneckenburger Elementary, and Solis Elementary.
Thirty-seven JP schools received a C rating, 13 received a D, and 7 received an F. Families can view their school’s report card in detail at louisianaschools.com.
“We’re moving in the right direction and a foundation has been set for continued gains in the years ahead,” said Dr. Brumley. “We debuted a bold strategic plan earlier this year. There is much more work to do in order to ensure every child in our parish has access to the education they deserve to succeed in life and make our world a better place.”
The improved DPS marks the latest state data showing progress in JP Schools. The district’s most recent graduation rate improved by 1.6% and it led the state in Advanced Placement growth. JP Schools students also outpaced the state for Mastery rate increase.