Lafayette Parish School System students in kindergarten through third grade made significant gains in reading proficiency during the 2025-2026 school year, outperforming both the state average and every other large school district in Louisiana.

According to data released by the Louisiana Department of Education, the percentage of LPSS K-3 students reading on or above grade level increased by 18.7 percentage points during the school year. Statewide, reading proficiency increased by 16.5 percentage points.

Among Louisiana school districts serving more than 29,000 students, LPSS recorded the highest growth in K-3 reading proficiency.

"Growth is one of our Core Values, and this is exactly the kind of progress we promised our families and community we would pursue," said Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. "At the beginning of the school year, fewer than half of our K-3 students were reading on or above grade level. Today, more than two-thirds are on track, giving them a stronger foundation for future success."

Touchet credited teachers, school leaders, support staff, and families for helping students make substantial gains throughout the year.

"Literacy opens doors to opportunity," Touchet said. "We are proud of this progress, but even more excited about what it means for our students as they continue their educational journey."

The results support the district's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and align with LPSS Core Values of Growth, Opportunity, Culture, and Safety.