The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 15% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Csal Elementary
CSAL Elementary is a charter school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Baton Rouge. It operates as a regular public school within the East Baton Rouge Parish system, but its charter status means it has some autonomy over its operations and curriculum. The school sits on Madison Avenue, in a part of the city that reflects the broader character of the state capital: a mix of government offices, university life, and industrial activity along the Mississippi River. Homes in the immediate area are priced well below state and national averages, and rents are relatively low, which can make the neighborhood accessible for families on tighter budgets. The housing market has seen a slight dip in values recently, but rents have been climbing.
The student body is small for an elementary school, with roughly a few hundred children. Nearly all students are Black, and a substantial majority qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a common measure of economic need. Information on students with disabilities or English learners was not available in the data, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the programs and supports offered for those groups. Because the school serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and no chronic absenteeism data was available either.
State testing results from the LEAP 2025 assessments offer a clear picture of academic performance. Proficiency rates in English language arts, math, science, and social studies all fall well below state averages for tested grades. In math, about a quarter of students scored at the proficient or advanced level. In English, the figure was roughly a third. Science was the lowest, and social studies was slightly higher than math but still low. Participation rates were near perfect, so these results reflect nearly all enrolled students. The school’s overall proficiency index, which averages performance across all tested subjects, places CSAL Elementary below the midpoint when compared with other districts in East Baton Rouge Parish. That means other schools in the same county tend to show higher achievement.
For a parent considering this school, the academic picture is a clear soft spot. The numbers indicate that most students are not meeting grade-level standards in core subjects. That does not tell you why, and it does not mean the school lacks dedicated staff or effort, but it does suggest that a family might need to investigate what academic interventions, tutoring, or enrichment are available. A parent whose child is already performing at or above grade level may need to consider whether the school can provide sufficient challenge.
The school environment data is thin: no information on discipline, staffing ratios, or course access was included in the available records. Because it is a charter school, it may have a distinct instructional model or focus, but no specific programs were listed. A visit or conversation with the principal would be the best way to learn about any special programs, after-school offerings, or family engagement practices.
Baton Rouge itself is a sprawling, car-dependent city. The downtown area has seen reinvestment, and the LSU campus provides some walkable pockets, but daily life for most residents revolves around driving. The school’s location near downtown means it is relatively central, but transportation arrangements will matter for most families.
In sum, CSAL Elementary serves a largely economically disadvantaged student population in a moderately affordable corner of Baton Rouge. Its state test results are low, and a parent should expect to be proactive about academic support. The school’s charter status and small size could be assets if the staff know students well, but the available data does not confirm that. A family weighing this school should ask about specific academic programs, how the school addresses individual student needs, and what the school’s approach to instruction looks like.
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