BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana students have reached another historic academic milestone, earning the highest statewide Mastery or Advanced (Mastery+) rate ever recorded on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP). The 2026 assessment results show students in grades 3-12 achieved a statewide Mastery+ rate of 36 percent, while students improved or maintained performance in 28 of the 31 LEAP-tested grades and courses.
The latest results demonstrate continued improvement across multiple subjects and grade levels, including:
- Overall Mastery+: Increased two percentage points to a record-high 36 percent.
- Mathematics: Grades 3-8 Mastery+ increased one percentage point, with every grade improving or holding steady.
- Science: Grades 3-8 Mastery+ increased two percentage points overall.
- Social Studies: Grades 3-8 Mastery+ increased two percentage points, while high school Civics increased five percentage points.
- High School: Mastery+ increased in Civics (+5), English II (+3), U.S. History (+3), and Algebra I (+2).
"Louisiana's students continue to demonstrate what is possible when high expectations are paired with strong educators, engaged families, and policies that put student success first," said BESE President Simone Champagne. "Reaching the highest statewide Mastery+ rate in our state's history is an achievement that belongs to every teacher, school leader, student, and family who has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes. While we celebrate this progress, BESE remains committed to ensuring every student has access to the opportunities and support needed to continue growing and succeeding.”
The 2026 LEAP results are also the first to contribute to school performance scores under Louisiana's revised accountability system, Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The updated framework reflects BESE's commitment to raising expectations by placing greater emphasis on academic growth, mastery, postsecondary readiness, and supporting students who need additional assistance.
"These results reinforce that meaningful, student-centered reforms are making a difference," said BESE President Champagne. "The Board has remained focused on policies that raise expectations while supporting schools, educators, and families. Our commitment has never changed. To create an education system where every child has the opportunity to grow academically, reach mastery, and graduate prepared for success. We will continue working alongside our education partners to build on this momentum and ensure every Louisiana student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Louisiana's steady progress reflects years of sustained investment in strong classroom instruction and educational excellence. Since 2021, statewide Mastery+performance has improved or remained steady every year for grades 3-8 and in four of the past five years for grades 3-12. Earlier this year, national researchers ranked Louisiana first in reading growth, second in math growth, and the only state to surpass pre-pandemic achievement levels in both subjects.
BESE remains committed to supporting policies that strengthen public education, empower educators, and ensure every Louisiana student has the opportunity to Grow. Achieve. Thrive.
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About BESE The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is the state’s constitutional authority for elementary and secondary education and is committed to advancing policies that promote student achievement, educational excellence, and opportunity for all Louisiana students.