The top reported proficiency rate is 15% in English language arts. The lowest is 2% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Opelousas Junior High School
Opelousas Junior High School serves seventh and eighth graders in the city of Opelousas, the parish seat of St. Landry Parish. It is a regular public school within the St. Landry Parish district, located in a small city that combines historic downtown character with an economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and food production. The school sits on its own campus, part of a network of elementary and high schools spread across the city.
Academically, state test results from the most recent year show that very few students reached the proficient level in any tested subject. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above was very small. In English language arts, the rate was higher but still low. In science and social studies, the proportions were also very low. The school’s overall performance is well below state averages, and a parent considering this school would want to explore with the school what academic interventions and supports are in place. The social studies assessment had a cut-score change in the same year, so the results may not be directly comparable to prior years. No multi-year trend data is available beyond a single year for ELA, making it hard to assess whether performance is improving or declining.
The student body is predominantly Black, with a very small share of White students and even smaller shares of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. A high proportion of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a student population that faces considerable economic challenges. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to evaluate.
Opelousas itself is experiencing population decline, with recent census estimates showing a continued drop in residents. Housing values in the area are well below national and state medians, and the local market saw a year-over-year decrease, making the community relatively affordable but also reflecting a contracting local economy. Major employers include Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, a Walmart distribution center, and Tony Chachere’s seasoning company. The city is known for its Creole and Acadian heritage, with festivals and music, and its historic downtown is a designated National Historic District. The school district’s publicly reported information did not contain any major recent changes with lasting impact for parents.
The school’s location in a mid-sized city means that families have some options for other public schools, including several elementary schools, other high schools, and the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, though Opelousas Junior High is the primary middle school serving this age group. No information was available about specific programs such as advanced coursework, career pathways, or extracurricular offerings. Discipline, staffing, and attendance data were also absent from the available records. A parent investigating this school would benefit from asking about the range of academic supports, the school’s approach to student engagement, and the availability of any enrichment or intervention programs that might address the low test performance.
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