The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on R.k. Smith Middle School
R.K. Smith Middle School serves grades six through eight in Luling, a census-designated place on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish, part of the New Orleans metro area. The school is a regular public school in the St. Charles Parish district. Luling itself blends suburban residential neighborhoods with industrial corridors along the river. The largest employers include manufacturing, notably the Bayer chemical plant, alongside health care and educational services. The area is car-dependent, with flat terrain, long roadways, and no traditional downtown; schools sit on separate campuses. Home values in Luling have been above the state median, reflecting a middle-class suburban community with a significant industrial employment base. Commute times are typical for a suburban exurb.
The school’s enrollment is moderate for a middle school, with a roughly even split across the three grades. The student body is majority Black, followed by a substantial White population and a smaller Hispanic share; students of Asian descent and those identifying with two or more races make up very small portions of the community. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that economic need is widespread among the families the school serves. Data on students with Individualized Education Programs and English learners was not available in the source materials, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about how special populations are supported.
On state assessments administered through Louisiana’s LEAP 2025 program, R.K. Smith Middle School’s results show a mixed picture. English language arts was the strongest subject, with about two of every five students scoring at the proficient or advanced level. Math proficiency was lower, around three in ten students. Social studies fell in between, at roughly the same level as math. Science proficiency was the weakest area, with about one in five students reaching proficiency. Participation rates were high, so the results reflect the tested population. Only a single year of testing data was available, so no trend line can be drawn; performance may have shifted in prior years or may shift in the future.
The school’s academic profile suggests that a majority of students are still working toward grade-level mastery in core subjects, with ELA being a relative bright spot. Parents considering this school may want to learn about the specific supports in place for students who are not yet proficient, particularly in math and science. Because the school serves only middle grades, there is no graduation rate to report. No data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, or staffing was provided, so those dimensions of the school environment are not part of this account.
R.K. Smith Middle School operates as a regular public school with no charter or magnet status. No Title I designation was listed in the data, though the high share of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch suggests the school may qualify for federal assistance programs. The district brief for St. Charles Parish turned up no recent parent-relevant changes that would affect the school, so the broader administrative context appears stable for now.
For a family living in Luling or the surrounding area, R.K. Smith Middle School offers a standard public middle school experience within a suburban setting. The housing market is moderate relative to national benchmarks, and the community has seen steady but not explosive growth. The school’s size is manageable, and its demographics reflect the broader community it serves. A parent who values a clear understanding of academic support systems, especially for students who are below grade level in math and science, will want to follow up with the school directly, as that information was not captured in the available data.
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