Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community
Academic Excellence with Diverse Options
Lafayette offers physician families an exceptional education landscape, blending strong public schools, renowned private institutions, and innovative specialized programs. From STEM and language immersion to faith-based education and gifted services, the community supports diverse academic pathways that exceed state benchmarks and adapt to the needs of high-achieving students.
- Public, private, magnet, and charter schools available across the parish
- Nationally recognized programs in STEM, arts, and world languages
- Faith-based schools: Catholic, Episcopal, and Christian academies
- University partnerships: Elevating K-12 instruction and enrichment
- Modern facilities and digital infrastructure investments
- Comprehensive support for gifted and special needs students
Lafayette Parish School System: Excellence Through Choice
The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) serves over 30,000 students and emphasizes choice-driven education through neighborhood schools and innovative magnet programs.
- 46 public schools including elementary, middle, and high schools
- Schools of Choice: Accessible through an online application portal
- Magnet programs: Fine arts, STEM, world languages, and more
- Smaller-than-average class sizes support personalized learning
- Rising school performance scores across the district
World-Class STEM Education: David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy
David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy offers nationally ranked STEM programming in grades 6-12, preparing students for success in science, engineering, medicine, and technology.
- Top 5% in Louisiana – Ranked #14 in the state by SchoolDigger
- National ranking: U.S. News & World Report Top 2,500 high schools
- Project Lead the Way curriculum for engineering and biomedical science
- 95% graduation rate with strong AP participation
- College Success Award winner for post-secondary readiness
Unique Language Immersion Programs
Lafayette’s French heritage fuels its language immersion programs, which offer dual-language instruction in French, Spanish, and Mandarin from early grades onward.
- French immersion: PK-12 availability across multiple campuses
- Spanish & Mandarin programs in select elementary schools
- Academic gains: Immersion students outperform peers on standardized tests
- UL Lafayette partnerships enhance teacher preparation
- International connections enrich cultural awareness
Exceptional Private School Options
Lafayette’s prestigious private schools offer faith-integrated education, smaller class sizes, and high academic expectations—ideal for families seeking personalized learning environments.
- Teurlings Catholic High School: AP offerings, strong college prep focus
- Lafayette Christian Academy: PK-12 education in a Christian environment
- Episcopal School of Acadiana: Dual-campus, college-prep PK-12 program
- Schools of the Sacred Heart: Historic Catholic education in nearby Grand Coteau
- St. Thomas More: Honors/AP curriculum with rich extracurricular offerings
- John Paul the Great Academy: Catholic classical curriculum with faith emphasis
University Influence on K-12 Education
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) strengthens regional education through its teacher training, research, and student enrichment programs.
- Largest teacher certification program in Louisiana
- Accredited teacher education programs via CAEP
- French immersion teacher training supports K-12 programs
- University labs and cultural events enhance K-12 learning
- Dual enrollment and Early College Academy allow students to earn college credits
Special Education and Gifted Programming
Lafayette schools provide comprehensive services for exceptional learners, ensuring that children with learning differences or advanced abilities reach their full potential.
- Full IDEA compliance: IEPs developed collaboratively with families
- Gifted and Talented programs in multiple academic and artistic areas
- Advanced academic tracks for high-performing students
- Emotional support: Counseling and social-emotional development programs
- Private school accommodations for learning differences
- Community services supplement in-school interventions
Technology Integration and Future-Ready Skills
Lafayette schools have invested heavily in modern technology tools and future-ready instruction, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in digital and global environments.
- 1:1 student-to-device programs in many schools
- Digital platforms: Personalized instruction and progress tracking
- Computer science and coding instruction starting at elementary level
- STEM integration: Robotics, engineering, and 3D design projects
- Professional development: Teachers trained in educational technology
- Digital citizenship curriculum across grade levels
For physician families relocating to Lafayette, the city offers a vibrant, flexible, and high-performing educational system. From world-class STEM and language immersion programs to faith-based and classical academies, the region provides diverse pathways for academic success and personal growth, making education a cornerstone of Lafayette’s family appeal.
