The top reported proficiency rate is 35% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Harahan School
Harahan School is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in the suburban city of Harahan, part of Jefferson Parish on the east bank of the Mississippi River. It operates under the Jefferson Parish Public School System, a district that has recently approved a school consolidation plan, implemented budget cuts, and adopted a new evidence-based reading curriculum. For families considering this school, the district’s ongoing structural changes are a relevant backdrop.
Harahan itself is a primarily residential suburb, often described as a bedroom community for New Orleans. Its built environment is low-density, with commercial corridors along Jefferson Highway and no traditional walkable downtown. Earhart Expressway provides direct highway access to the city. The population has been gradually declining over recent decades. Housing values in the area are above the state benchmark, and rents are moderate relative to incomes. The city’s schools—including Harahan School—are embedded in residential neighborhoods rather than clustered on a central campus.
The school’s enrollment is modest for its grade band. The student body is diverse: the largest racial group is white, followed by black and Hispanic students, with smaller shares of Asian and multiracial students. A substantial share of students come from households with economic need, as indicated by the free or reduced-price lunch rate. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those populations and the supports available.
State assessment results from the Louisiana LEAP 2025 tests are available for a single year, so no trend can be described. Across grades three through eight, a minority of students scored at the proficient level in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. English language arts had the highest share reaching proficiency; math, science, and social studies each had lower shares. Participation rates were very high, meaning the results reflect nearly all enrolled students in those grades. These figures suggest that the school’s academic performance, as measured by state tests, has room for growth. Families may wish to discuss with the school how it supports students who are not yet at proficiency and what additional academic resources are available.
Because Harahan School serves only through eighth grade, there is no high school graduation rate to report. Students continue to Riverdale High School in nearby Jefferson for grades nine through twelve. The district’s consolidation plan includes redrawing attendance zones, which could affect future feeder patterns; parents should confirm current zoning if high school placement is a consideration.
The school is not a charter or magnet school. Title I status was not provided, so it is unclear whether the school receives federal funding for low-income students. Staffing, discipline, attendance, and course access data were not available in the source material. A parent may want to visit the school to learn about class sizes, enrichment programs, and the overall learning environment.
Overall, Harahan School offers a full pre-K through eighth grade pathway in a stable residential suburb, serving a diverse student body amid a district undergoing reorganization. Its state test results point to an academic profile where strengthening core skills in math, science, and social studies would benefit many students. The combination of modest home prices relative to the New Orleans metro area, a car-dependent suburban setting, and a school that keeps children in one building through middle school may appeal to families looking for a straightforward neighborhood school option.
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