For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,421 students in St. James Parish, LA (there are 1 private school, serving 379 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in St.
James Parish, LA are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in St. James Parish, LA are Lutcher High School, St. James High School and Paulina Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
St. James Parish, LA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Louisiana public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in St. James Parish have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Louisiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in St. James Parish (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lutcher High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1910 West Main Street
Lutcher, LA 70071
(225) 258-5300
Lutcher, LA 70071
(225) 258-5300
Gr: 7-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #22.
St. James High School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
22187 Hwy 20
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-4900
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-4900
Gr: 7-12 | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
Paulina Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2756 Highway 44
Paulina, LA 70763
(225) 258-4704
Paulina, LA 70763
(225) 258-4704
Gr: PK-3 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #44.
Gramercy Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 E Second Street
Gramercy, LA 70052
(225) 258-4804
Gramercy, LA 70052
(225) 258-4804
Gr: 4-6 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #55.
Sixth Ward Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3245 Valcour Aime Street
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-4640
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-4640
Gr: 4-6 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #66.
Vacherie Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
13440 Highway 644
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-5250
Vacherie, LA 70090
(225) 258-5250
Gr: PK-3 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in St. James Parish, LA?
The top-ranked public schools in St. James Parish, LA include Lutcher High School, St. James High School and Paulina Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in St. James Parish?
6 public schools are located in St. James Parish.
What percentage of students in St. James Parish go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in St. James Parish are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in St. James Parish?
St. James Parish public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Louisiana public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in St. James Parish are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in St. James Parish include: St. James High School vs. Lutcher High School, Lutcher High School vs. St. James High School
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.