Lafayette’s variety of public and private schools give parents a range of choices when considering what’s best for their child’s education. High-dollar improvements to facilities represent a continued commitment to excellence in Acadiana, as schools implement high-tech ideas, expand enrollment and meet demand in growing areas.
The Lafayette Parish School System has 42 schools under its umbrella — six high schools, 12 middle schools and 22 elementary. The opening of Southside High in Youngsville for the fall 2017 school year represented the first new high school in more than 50 years for the school system.
The school system has a Gifted & Talented Program for academically advanced students. Schools of Choice and High School Academies offer specialized programs ranging from arts and technology to world languages for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. A partnership between the school system and South Louisiana Community College provides for the Early College Academy, which gives graduating students an associate degree in general studies.
Private and parochial schools offer an alternative to public school, many of them run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette. Thirteen Catholic schools are located from one end of the parish to the other. Two episcopal schools, a Christian academy and private girls and boys academies also add to the parish’s offerings.
South Louisiana Community College is one of the state’s largest, most comprehensive community colleges, offering technical diplomas, workforce training, high school dual enrollment and two-year degree programs that transfer to four-year universities. Serving more than 60,000 students, the college strives to increase the opportunities for Louisiana’s workforce and recently began offering courses in oil and gas production technology.
School offerings
Public
Lafayette Parish School System operates 42 schools, from elementary to high school, one early childhood education center, five schools of choice, six high school academies and the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, along with Gifted & Talented programs.
Private
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette has 13 Catholic schools, ranging from elementary to high school. Other private options include Episcopal School of Acadiana, Ascension Episcopal School, Westminster Christian Academy and Schools of the Sacred Heart.
Higher education
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a four-year, public institution. South Louisiana Community College has 11 campuses and offers more than 30 majors ranging from nursing to welding and information technology.
Other
For those in search of a nontraditional education, the parish has resources like Acadiana School of Cosmetology, Blue Cliff School of Massage, Burk Baker School of Real Estate and Louisiana Technical College.
School Contact Information:
Lafayette Parish School System
(337) 236-6800 | www.lpssonline.com
Diocese of Lafayette
(337) 261-5500 | www.diolaf.org
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
(337) 482-1000 | louisiana.edu
South Louisiana Community College
(337) 521-9000 | solacc.edu