The top reported proficiency rate is 55% in English language arts. The lowest is 39% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Duson Elementary School
Duson Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as a regular public school in the Lafayette Parish school system. The school is located in the small, mainly residential town of Duson, which straddles Acadia and Lafayette parishes. Duson is a car-dependent community with a median household income well below state and national averages, and its largest employment sectors are construction, accommodation and food services, and other services. Historically an agricultural town centered on cotton farming, Duson has a recognizable downtown area and hosts community events such as an annual Mardi Gras parade. The school itself sits within this setting, drawing its student body from the local area.
Enrollment at Duson Elementary is on the smaller side for an elementary school, with a student population that is majority white. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that a large portion of families in the attendance zone face economic challenges. The school serves its community as a neighborhood elementary school within the broader Lafayette Parish district, which did not have any recent major parent-relevant changes publicly reported.
On the Louisiana LEAP 2025 assessments, Duson Elementary posted proficiency rates that place it in the top quartile relative to other districts in Lafayette Parish when looking at overall performance across tested subjects and grades. In English language arts, a little more than half of students scored at the proficient level or above. Math proficiency came in at a similar level. Science proficiency was lower, with less than half of students reaching the proficient benchmark. Social studies proficiency fell between the English and science results. These figures represent a single year of data, and the school had a very high participation rate across all tested subjects, which means the results reflect nearly the entire tested student body. A parent may want to ask the school about the dip in science and social studies performance to understand what supports are in place in those areas.
Because Duson Elementary only serves grades PK through 5, there is no graduation rate to report, and no data on high-school-level course access or career pathways. The school's status as a regular public elementary school means its academic focus is on building foundational skills in reading, math, science, and social studies for younger students. The school does not appear to operate as a charter or magnet, and information on Title I status was not provided.
Housing in Duson is moderately priced, with typical home values below the national median but slightly above the state median, and year-over-year appreciation in the area has been modest. Rents relative to income suggest that housing costs are manageable for many local families, though the area's lower median household income means affordability is worth considering for households without a cushion. The school's enrollment size and community setting suggest it functions as a close-knit neighborhood school, where families are likely to know one another and the staff.
For a parent weighing this school, the picture is one of a small elementary school in a working-class town where basic academic performance is solid in English and math, though science and social studies lag behind. The student body is economically diverse, with many families relying on free or reduced-price meal programs. The local community is modest in scale and amenities, with residents commuting by car and the town relying on parish-level facilities for parks and libraries. Duson Elementary fits a family seeking a neighborhood-focused elementary experience in a small-town setting, but a parent may want to look into academic supports in science and social studies more closely.
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