The top reported proficiency rate is 27% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Lusher Elem.
Lusher Elementary is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the Hazelwood School District, located in the Florissant area of St. Louis County. The school enrolls a student body that is predominantly Black, with a smaller share of White students and small numbers of students who are Hispanic or identify with two or more races. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic profile of the community the school draws from.
State assessment results from the Missouri Assessment Program show that the share of Lusher students scoring at or above proficient is low, with notable variation by grade and subject. In mathematics, the proficient rate is modest in fourth grade but drops in third grade and further in fifth grade. In English language arts, the pattern is similar: fourth grade shows the highest rate, while third and fifth grades trail behind. Science results for fifth grade are also low. Across all tested subjects and grades, Lusher’s overall proficiency index sits below the midpoint relative to districts in St. Louis County. This means that, compared with other elementary schools in the county, the proportion of students meeting state standards is on the lower end. A parent may want to follow up with the school to understand what supports are in place for students who are below grade level and how the school approaches academic growth.
The school serves only the elementary grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. Data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, and special programs are not available in the record, which limits what can be said about the day-to-day environment. Similarly, information on students with individualized education plans and English learners was not provided. These gaps mean that some dimensions of the school experience remain unmeasured here.
At the district level, Hazelwood has recently adopted a strategic plan covering the span of several years, with goals that include improving student achievement, expanding resources for students, enhancing professional growth, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and increasing parent and community involvement. The district now offers pre-kindergarten programs in all of its elementary schools, so families of young children can enroll at their neighborhood school. It has also launched a virtual elementary program, providing an online learning option for families who prefer that setting. These are lasting changes that give families more choices within the district’s portfolio.
Housing in the Florissant area is moderately priced by national standards. Home values in the ZIP code are modest, and typical rents are below what it would cost to buy at current mortgage rates, making renting a more accessible option. The St. Louis County housing market has seen listing prices soften recently, with homes sitting on the market for about a month on average. The area is a suburban part of the greater St. Louis region, with a mix of older and newer residential developments.
For families considering Lusher Elementary, the picture is one of a school with a high share of students from low-income backgrounds, assessment results that trail the county midpoint, and a district that is investing in strategic planning and early childhood access. The absence of discipline, attendance, and staff data means a parent would need to visit or contact the school directly to get a fuller sense of the learning environment. The housing context suggests the neighborhood is financially accessible to many working families, and the district’s recent program expansions offer some added flexibility.
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