2024 Best Preschools in Louisiana

Everything You Need to Know About Navigating preschools In Louisiana

Preschool is an incredibly important part of a child's education, as it sets the tone for the early stages of learning and socializing with classmates. In Louisiana, there are over a thousand preschools available, with 1046 total options, the state has 6% more schools than the national average. The state's preschools on the whole have a grade of B, which is slightly higher than the national average. The average preschool in Louisiana has 430 students, which is 16% greater than the typical school in the nation. This suggests that the scholastic setting may be slightly more crowded than in other areas of the country, but still within a reasonable number. The student-to-teacher ratio is also larger at 17:1 compared to 14:1 that is common across the US, meaning there's likely a bit less individualized instruction for each student than other states.

Key Facts About Public preschools in Louisiana

Public schools make up 72% of all preschools in the state and have an overall B– grade. It's worth noting that the majority of public schools (83%) have a grade of B or higher, so although on average they don't meet the national standard, there are still plenty of quality options. These public schools also enroll more students than most schools nationally at 459 per school which is 24% greater than the country’s typical enrollment rate.

Traditional public preschools

Traditional public schools are by far the biggest chunk of public school offerings (623 total), making up 80% of all public schools in Louisiana. Fortunately these schools tend to do quite well in comparison to other states, as 51% receive an A or higher rating; this equates to about 318 traditional public school options that are above average nationally. On top of this good news, traditional public school class sizes are also quite manageable when compared to other states with an average attendance falling just above 400 (428).

The Louisiana preschool that Excels in Academics and Community

Atop the list of strong traditional public school picks is A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, located in Ruston. It’s got a stellar A+ grade from parents and students alike, with an enrollment of 390 students and 22:1 student-to-teacher ratio — both metrics surpassing their respective national averages by 57% and 57%, respectively. These figures make it clear that Phillips Laboratory School provides not only an intellectually stimulating environment but also personalized instruction for all its pupils. In addition to its academic excellence, what truly sets this school apart is its tight-knit community; parents and staff consistently highlight its emphasis on cultivating strong relationships between mentors and students alike. Another great option if you're looking for a traditional school is Hillcrest Elementary School located in Ruston too, it's one of many strong options that are available across Louisiana but definitely one worth considering if you're set on a traditional route and live nearby. It has 325 students and an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio — showing quality individualized instruction — although it does not surpass the national averages in either metric (by about +29%). Furthermore, it's got an A+ grade from parents and students alike so there's really no wrong pick here if you're local.

A Closer Look at Louisiana's Charter School Landscape

One thing that makes Louisiana unique when it comes to public education is its selection of charter schools; 97 different charter schools are available statewide — almost double what you would find in most states — making them a viable option for families who seek specialized education for their children. Although 40% don't reach the national rating standard, 58%, or 19 individual charter schools (that’s almost 1 out 5) still rank above average nationally so there’s still plenty of great choices here if you go the charter route. It appears however that charter school class sizes may be slightly elevated when compared to other states as they have 77% more students per school on average (655). This could be attributed to overcrowding or simply from offering more diverse curriculums than what would normally be found at most traditional public schools; either way it's something to consider before making your final decision.

What is the best charter preschool in Louisiana?

The undisputed leader when it comes to charter schools in Louisiana is Lusher Charter School located near New Orleans — though it does come with a hefty price tag (1883 students) it remains atop all other charter schools in terms of quality for both parents and students alike with its A+ rating (a 21% better than the national average). On top of its impressive academic performance Lusher Charter School boasts a low 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio which reinforces its commitment to providing a personalized learning experience for each student within its massive enrollment pool. If Lusher Charter School doesn’t seem suitable there are many equally impressive alternatives like VB Glencoe Charter School situated near Franklin; this school has 421 students enrolled along with a favorable 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, about in-line with the typical preschool.