The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in English language arts. The lowest is 21% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Chalmette Elementary School
Chalmette Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as a regular public school within the St. Bernard Parish school system. It is one of several elementary campuses spread across the Chalmette community, a census-designated place east of downtown New Orleans along the Mississippi River. The school sits in a residential area of this suburb, which rebuilt extensively after Hurricane Katrina and has been in a sustained recovery and growth phase since. The population has rebounded substantially from a post-storm low, and new residential construction continues, though the community has not yet returned to its pre-Katrina level. Housing values in the zip code are roughly comparable to the state benchmark, while rents have been rising.
The student body is diverse and draws from the surrounding neighborhoods. Hispanic students make up the largest share, followed by Black students and White students, with smaller proportions of students identifying as two or more races, Asian, or American Indian or Alaska Native. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that a significant portion of families in the attendance zone have lower household incomes. The school does not report data on students with individualized education programs or English learners, so a parent looking for those details would want to ask the school directly about special education supports and English language services.
State testing on the LEAP 2025 assessments provides a picture of academic performance for grades three through five. Proficiency rates, defined as scoring at Levels 4 or 5, are modest across all tested subjects. English language arts has the highest rate, followed by social studies, then math, and science has the lowest rate. The school participates fully in state assessments, with all tested students taking the exams. Because only a single year of data is available for the current assessment format, there is no multi-year trend to examine. A parent reviewing these results will see that the school is working from a base where most students are not yet reaching the proficient level, and they may want to talk with the school about academic support strategies and how they target improvement areas, particularly in math and science.
Chalmette Elementary is a conventional neighborhood school with a straightforward grade configuration. It is not a charter or magnet school. The campus is one of several school sites in Chalmette; the parish high school, middle schools, and a Catholic school campus are each located on their own separate properties scattered through the community rather than clustered downtown, because Chalmette lacks a traditional downtown center. The parish government complex along the main highway serves as the civic anchor, and the nearby Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery are historic landmarks that anchor the community’s identity. Walkability around the school is limited given the low-density suburban layout, with residential streets and commercial strips along major roads.
No recent curriculum changes, referendums, or major district initiatives were found in publicly available reports for St. Bernard Parish, so a parent considering this school may want to attend a school board meeting or speak with the principal about any upcoming academic or facility plans.
For a family weighing this school, the main consideration is its academic profile. Proficiency rates are below what many families would consider strong, particularly in math and science, though the school’s participation rate is full and it serves a diverse, post-recovery community. Parents who value high test performance may want to learn more about the instructional approach and what enrichment or intervention programs are offered. Those who prioritize a neighborhood school within a parish that has a clear sense of place and historical roots may find Chalmette Elementary a natural fit for their children’s early years.
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