Ascension School District Receives High Marks from State

This is a proud October for the 21 schools of Ascension Parish. As a whole the district was named the fourth best school system out of 70 in the state, while 17 of the 21 schools improved their individual performance.

The Ascension Parish district scored 105.09 in state performance scores. This score was the district's highest score ever and represents a 6.1% increase over last year. Superintendent Donald Songy praised the "exceptional commitment and expertise of ... teachers, administrators, and of staff" that resulted in this year's success and laid the groundwork for "a pattern of steady growth from year to year."

Further, he noted the "the level of growth this year.provides us with reassurance that the strategic initiatives set in place are producing results and fostering an improved education for all our students." Assistant Superintendent Patrice Pujol added that Ascension had moved to the top due to high level assessments aligned with the Districts' curriculum and teachers' instructional practices.

Particularly noteworthy are the achievements of these schools:

12.6 point increase- Lowery Intermediate School. For the second straight year, this school showed the larger improvement in the district and now has moved into the academically acceptable range.

12.5 points - Dutchttown High School

11.2 points - G.W. Carver Primary School

9.7 points - St. Amant Middle School

8.7 points - Galvez Primary

8.2 points - Donaldsonville High

7.6 points - St. Amant High

6.6 points - East Ascension High

6.3 points - Prairievile Middle

6.0 points - Dutchtown Middle

Seven other schools also shows great improvement, which qualified 17 schools to receive a Growth School Performance Score of 100 or more. For more information on the progress of the Ascension School District over the years, see www.apsb.org/schoolscores.

As noted in our previous blog Top Schools Districts Attract Buyers to Greater Baton Rouge Area, 10 years ago, the State of Louisiana set out to improve school performance state-wide. In 2009, nearly 80% of schools showed gains in their scores, while 43% met their growth targets this year vs. only 25% last year. Twenty eight percent of schools exceeded an SPS of 100; the percentage of schools with scores under 100 decreased from previous years. Additionally, the number of Academically Unacceptable Schools (AUS) fell from 90 to 55, or 4.3 percent.

This good news on school performance is one more reason why buying a home in Ascension parish is a great investment for your family. When buying real estate in Louisiana., contact Sandy's Team for the best properties in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes.