The top reported proficiency rate is 30% in English language arts. The lowest is 16% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Pesson Addition Elementary School
Pesson Addition Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade as a regular public school in New Iberia, Louisiana, part of the Iberia Parish district. The enrollment is moderate for an elementary school serving this grade band. The student body is predominantly Black, with a smaller number of White, Hispanic, and multiracial students. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic need among the families the school serves.
State testing data is available for the 2024-25 school year from Louisiana's LEAP 2025 assessments, covering grades three through six. Proficiency rates, defined as scoring at Levels 4 or 5, are low across all tested subjects. In math and English language arts, roughly a third of students met the proficient benchmark. In science and social studies, the share was notably smaller, with fewer than one in five students scoring proficient. Participation was complete, so these results reflect nearly all enrolled students in those grades. Only a single year of testing data is present, so there is no basis to assess whether performance is trending upward or downward.
Because the school ends at sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. Data on students with disabilities and English learners is absent, as are discipline rates, staffing ratios, and course access information. A parent looking into these areas would need to ask the school directly.
The community context of New Iberia is relevant. The city is the parish seat, situated along Bayou Teche with a historic downtown. Its economy is tied to agriculture, particularly sugar cane, and food-production heritage including Tabasco sauce from nearby Avery Island. The population has been declining in recent decades. Housing costs are low relative to national and state benchmarks; home values are well below typical levels, and rents are moderate. For families, the area offers an affordable cost of living in a settled, small-city setting.
The school building is on Broussard Street within the city. Civic and commercial life is concentrated downtown, with landmarks such as Bouligny Plaza and the Shadows-on-the-Teche historic site. Specific walkability or street-life data for the immediate school neighborhood was not found.
The Iberia Parish district appears stable in terms of recent changes; a search for parent-relevant developments turned up little of lasting impact, so no major restructuring or budget shifts are expected in the near term.
Overall, Pesson Addition Elementary serves a student body with substantial economic barriers. Academic results on the most recent state assessments show that many students are not reaching grade-level proficiency. Families considering this school may want to explore what academic interventions, tutoring programs, or enrichment opportunities are available. The affordable housing and established community could appeal to those seeking a low-cost environment, but the academic picture suggests a need for support. Gaps in available data on student services and staffing mean a direct conversation with the school would be useful for any family weighing this option.
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