The top reported proficiency rate is 97% in Math. The lowest is 87% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies
Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies is a regular public elementary school serving prekindergarten through fifth grade in the city of Gretna, the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from New Orleans, in a community that blends a historic downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places with suburban retail areas, including Oakwood Shopping Center. With a population that has seen modest growth since 2020, Gretna functions as both a government hub and a bedroom suburb, with a working-class character reflected in its income and poverty levels. The school is part of the Jefferson Parish Public School System, a district that has recently undergone school consolidation and budget cuts, approved a new evidence-based reading curriculum, and received a federal grant for STEM education, all of which shape the broader educational landscape families are navigating.
Academically, this school stands apart. On Louisiana’s LEAP 2025 assessments, nearly all tested students in grades three through five met or exceeded state standards in math and English language arts. Proficiency in science and social studies was also very high, with the vast majority of students scoring at the proficient or advanced level. The school’s performance across all four tested subjects is among the strongest in the region, making it a clear academic standout for elementary-age children. Because the school serves only early and middle elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report.
The student body is moderately sized for its grade span. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, Black and White students each make up a notable share, Asian students represent a substantial portion of the enrollment, and the remainder includes Hispanic students and a small number of multiracial or Native American students. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a share well below the district average. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available from the state, so families with children in those categories may wish to ask the school directly about available support.
The housing market in Gretna and its surrounding zip code is moderately priced, with home values slightly below the national median and rents at a typical level for the metro area. Home values have seen a small decline in the past year. The community offers a walkable historic downtown, a ferry connection to New Orleans, and employers that include the parish government, Zatarain’s, and local retail. The mean commute time for residents suggests many work outside Gretna.
At the district level, Jefferson Parish has been reshaping its school system. A consolidation plan approved in 2023 closed and merged schools, redrew attendance zones, and generated parent concerns about longer commutes. Budget cuts for the 2024-2025 school year reduced central office staff, transportation, and programs. At the same time, the district adopted a new reading curriculum and invested in STEM. These changes may influence where families choose to live within the parish and which school their child attends, but Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies appears to be a stable, high-performing option.
This school is a strong fit for families seeking a regular public elementary school with exceptional academic outcomes. The high proficiency rates suggest a focused instructional environment that meets a wide range of students at high levels. The moderate economic diversity and mixed racial composition create a peer environment that is neither highly affluent nor high-poverty. For parents prioritizing early academic rigor in a setting that is not a magnet or charter, and who are comfortable with the district’s ongoing transition, this school warrants serious consideration.
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