The 2025-2026 LEAP results are in, revealing that 40% of Rapides Parish students in grades 3-12 scored Mastery or Advanced. This represents a two-point increase, marking the highest percentage on record for the district and placing it four points above the state average of 36%.

These outcomes represent the first LEAP results released under Louisiana’s new accountability system, Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The new system places a greater emphasis on student growth, Mastery level achievement, support for struggling students, and readiness for life after high school.

Superintendent Jeff Powell praised the district’s performance and the collective effort behind the milestone.

“We continue to celebrate record breaking student achievement growth in Rapides Parish,” Powell said. “Seeing a growth in overall proficiency and continuing to exceed average proficiency in the state is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, parents, school administrators and everyone else who supports the work of our students and teachers. The commitment of the Rapides Parish School Board members to align our policies and budgets with student achievement continues to yield positive outcomes.”