DeSoto Parish Schools is celebrating another year of academic success after newly released 2026 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) results placed the district among the Top 10 school systems in Louisiana for student achievement.
According to data released by the Louisiana Department of Education, 45% of DeSoto Parish students achieved Mastery or Advanced on LEAP assessments, significantly surpassing the statewide average of 36%. The district also posted a three-point increase in overall Mastery+ performance from the previous school year, making it one of Louisiana’s fastest-improving school systems.
Compared to the 2024-2025 school year, students demonstrated improvement in every major academic area:
Math: Increased from 44% to 47% (+3)
English Language Arts: Increased from 52% to 54% (+2)
Science: Increased from 35% to 39% (+4)
Social Studies: Increased from 36% to 40% (+4)
District leaders also highlighted significant progress among student groups. English Learners increased proficiency by seven percentage points, while Students with Disabilities improved by three percentage points, reflecting continued efforts to provide support and opportunities for all learners.
Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning, said the results are a reflection of the commitment shown throughout the district.
“It is exciting to see the achievement and growth of our students. This is a reflection of the work of teachers, support staff, and leaders who partner with parents to give students every opportunity for success. I look forward to seeing how our current support systems continue to help every student thrive.”
Superintendent Clay Corley echoed those sentiments, praising educators and school leaders for their dedication.
“These results belong to our teachers and school leaders. They show up every single day with high expectations for every child, and they deliver. We’re grateful to be seeing this kind of growth. It tells us the hard work of our people is making a real difference in the lives of our kids.”
Several DeSoto Parish schools recorded notable increases in Mastery+ achievement across multiple subject areas.
Logansport High School improved proficiency in all four core content areas, posting gains of:
English Language Arts: +8
Math: +6
Science: +5
Social Studies: +6
Mansfield Elementary was among the district’s biggest success stories with increases of:
English Language Arts: +6
Math: +20
Science: +17
Social Studies: +16
Mansfield Middle School also improved in every subject:
English Language Arts: +3
Math: +14
Science: +7
Social Studies: +11
Other schools posting strong gains included:
North DeSoto High School
English Language Arts: +8
Science: +1
North DeSoto Middle School
Math: +1
North DeSoto Upper Elementary
Math: +2
Science: +5
Social Studies: +3
Stanley High School
English Language Arts: +1
Math: +8
Science: +8
Social Studies: +9
Mansfield High School also recorded strong gains with:
Science: +17
Social Studies: +2
New Accountability System Begins This YearThe 2026 LEAP scores are the first to be incorporated into Louisiana’s new Grow. Achieve. Thrive. accountability system, which places increased emphasis on student academic growth, proficiency, and post-graduation readiness.
While the revised accountability model introduces higher standards and new performance measures, district leaders believe the latest results demonstrate DeSoto Parish Schools is well-positioned for continued success.
The Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) measures student proficiency in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for students in grades 3-12. Student performance is reported across five achievement levels:
Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, and Advanced.
Students who score at the Mastery or Advanced level are considered academically prepared for the next grade level without the need for remediation.
With strong gains across every core subject and recognition as one of Louisiana’s highest-performing districts, DeSoto Parish Schools says it remains committed to building on this momentum and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.