Red River Parish School District is rated the top improving school system for overall LEAP 3-8 Mastery. With a 5-point improvement, Red River stands alone as the top district in this category.

Louisiana’s Department of Education announced scores in a press release last week. Scores indicate a one percentage point increase in overall student proficiency statewide for grades 3–8. Thirty-five percent of students achieved Mastery or above (Mastery+) in the 2024–2025 school year, up from 34 percent the previous year.

Math proficiency in grades 3–8 improved by two percentage points in the state, while the English Language Arts (ELA) Mastery+ rate remained steady at 43 percent.

Red River Superintendent Alison Strong commended everyone in the system for their hard work. “I am excited that the hard work of our teachers, students, administrators, staff, and parents is showing such wonderful gains for our district. This growth is reinforcement that the innovative strategies put in place by our parish are working.”

Red River Parish Board Members were briefed in a message by Strong. She related that much of the success is a result of their forward thinking. “I am thankful for the support of our parish residents and our wonderful School Board. Making progress of this caliber takes teamwork and a shared vision for what is best for our students. That is absolutely happening with our Red River team”, said Strong.

“This confirms the changes we have made this school year at the Junior High School”, commented Principal Lillie McDonald. “We have worked hard to bring proven practices and school-wide initiatives into each classroom. Our teachers and students worked together to make improvements.”

Louisiana State Superintendent Brumley expressed, “Louisiana teachers are the driving force behind the steady, sustained progress of the past five years.”

This is the earliest timeframe for test results since 2016. Full School and District Performance scores will not be ready for release until later this year. They also represent the final set of LEAP results used under Louisiana’s current accountability system.

Student results from LEAP tests administered during the 2025-2026 school year will be factored into the first official school performance scores using Louisiana’s revised accountability system. Those performance scores will be released in late 2026.

Louisiana’s revised accountability system will once again change the criteria for academic success for all students and schools.