Best Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
134 schools · 75 Elementary · 14 Middle · 21 High · 24 Other
Choosing a school in Baton Rouge?
Use this page to compare every school in Baton Rouge by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Mckinley Middle Magnet School
Middle · East Baton Rouge Parish. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Belfair Montessori School
Elementary · East Baton Rouge Parish. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Crestworth Elementary School
Elementary · East Baton Rouge Parish. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Baton Rouge for 2026 are Mckinley Middle Magnet School (9.6/10), Belfair Montessori School (9.2/10), and Crestworth Elementary School (8.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 92 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
134
94 public · 40 private
Avg Score
6.0
out of 10
Median Home
$229,753
home value · ACS
Districts
18
serving the city
Schools
134
94 public · 40 private
Avg Score
6.0
out of 10
Median Home
$229,753
home value · ACS
Districts
18
serving the city
Rates 8.9/10 despite 90% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.8 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Baton Rouge schools.
Top-Rated Schools in Baton Rouge
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 92 rated schools; 134 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mckinley Middle Magnet School | 9.6 / 10 |
| 2 | Belfair Montessori School | 9.2 / 10 |
| 3 | Crestworth Elementary School | 8.9 / 10 |
| 4 | Tanglewood Elementary School | 8.7 / 10 |
| 5 | Westdale Middle School | 8.6 / 10 |
| 6 | Parkview Elementary School | 8.4 / 10 |
| 7 | Riveroaks Elementary School | 8.4 / 10 |
| 8 | Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts | 8.3 / 10 |
| 9 | Glasgow Middle School | 8.3 / 10 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge Magnet High School | 8.2 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.0/10
- Median household income
- $61,440
- Median home value
- $229,753
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 41%
- Avg commute
- 23 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 52%
28% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Baton Rouge compares
Louisiana rank
#85 of 139
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.3
below Louisiana avg (6.3)
Median household income
$61k
105% of Louisiana median
Schools in this city
127
Education Snapshot
Baton Rouge, LouisianaBaton Rouge operates 131 schools across 18 districts, serving roughly 67,722 students. The level mix tilts toward early grades — 75 elementary campuses, 15 middle schools, and 22 high schools, with 19 other or combined programs in the mix. Twenty-six charters account for about 20% of citywide options, giving families a meaningful alternative to district assignment. On the MySchoolScout composite, 128 of 131 schools are rated and average 5.8/10 — half a point below Louisiana's state average of 6.3/10. The city's median household income of $59,053 sits 3% below the state median of $60,633, and 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. That below-state average composite and a sizable charter sector mean the 128 available ratings are more useful for parents here than district reputation alone as a quality guide.
East Baton Rouge Parish runs 80% of Baton Rouge's public schools
Baton Rouge touches 18 districts, but East Baton Rouge Parish is the one most addresses actually attend.
East Baton Rouge Parish accounts for 75 of 94 public schools (80%). The other 17 districts hold the remaining 19.
Among 92 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 2.8 to 9.6 — the spread is inside Baton Rouge, not a citywide average.
26 of the 94 public schools are charters (28%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- East Baton Rouge Parish75 public · 80%
- Central Community School District2 public · 2%
- Southern University Lab School2 public · 2%
- Collegiate Baton Rouge1 public · 1%
- Community School For Apprenticeship Learning Inc.1 public · 1%
About Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge's public school system spans 93 ranked schools, giving parents a wide field to evaluate. The city-wide average sits at 6.2 out of 10, which places many schools in the middle tier — but performance spreads considerably from there. Twenty-six schools, or 28% of the total, score 7 or higher, meaning strong options exist across the city for families willing to research and, in some cases, apply through magnet or selective programs.
The highest-performing schools are concentrated in the magnet and specialized program sector. Mayfair Laboratory School leads the city with a 9.5 rating, the top score among all 93 ranked public schools. Close behind are B.R. Foreign Language Academy Immersion Magnet at 9.3 and Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School at 9.1 — both elementary programs with distinct academic focuses. Parents targeting early grades have real standout options, but these schools typically require applications and may have enrollment caps or zoning considerations.
The middle school landscape also has bright spots. Glasgow Middle School scores 9.1, matching the city's third-ranked elementary and signaling strong performance continuity for families whose children attend feeder schools in that corridor. Helix Legal Academy rounds out the top five middle schools at 8.8, offering a themed curriculum that suits students with specific interests. These rankings matter in context: scoring 9.1 in a city averaging 6.2 puts Glasgow well above the typical Baton Rouge public school experience.
For parents new to the city or beginning their search, the most practical step is to filter beyond the average. The 6.2 city mean reflects a wide distribution, not a floor — a significant share of schools fall below it. The 28% of schools rated 7 or above are worth prioritizing in your shortlist, particularly at the elementary level where magnet programs have demonstrated consistently high scores. Proximity matters, but in Baton Rouge's landscape, magnet access can meaningfully change a child's academic trajectory, so understanding application timelines early is worth the effort.
Elementary Schools
75 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 266 students · Pre-K–8th | 9.2 |
| 2 | 436 students · Pre-K–8th | 8.9 |
| 3 | 678 students · 1st–2nd | 8.7 |
| 4 | 507 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.4 |
| 5 | 522 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.4 |
| 6 | 561 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.3 |
| 7 | 450 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.2 |
| 8 | 468 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.1 |
| 9 | 709 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.0 |
| 10 | 296 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.9 |
Show all 75 elementary schools in Baton Rouge
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
14 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 645 students · 6th–8th | 9.6 |
| 2 | 559 students · 6th–8th | 8.6 |
| 3 | 609 students · 6th–8th | 8.3 |
| 4 | 983 students · 6th–8th | 7.9 |
| 5 | 759 students · 6th–8th | 7.6 |
| 6 | 842 students · 6th–8th | 7.5 |
| 7 | 284 students · 6th–8th | 6.2 |
| 8 | 183 students · 6th–8th | 5.4 |
| 9 | 53 students · 6th–7th | 5.4 |
| 10 | 64 students · 6th–8th | 5.1 |
Show all 14 middle schools in Baton Rouge
High Schools
21 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,602 students · 9th–12th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 1,241 students · 9th–12th | 8.0 |
| 3 | 590 students · 9th–12th | 6.9 |
| 4 | 515 students · 9th–12th | 6.8 |
| 5 | 522 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
| 6 | 1,605 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 |
| 7 | 442 students · 9th–12th | 5.9 |
| 8 | 188 students · 7th–12th | 5.2 |
| 9 | 687 students · 6th–12th | 5.2 |
| 10 | 898 students · 9th–12th | 5.1 |
Show all 21 high schools in Baton Rouge
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
24 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,515 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.6 |
| 2 | 479 students · Pre-K–12th | 6.6 |
| 3 | 928 students · Kindergarten–9th | 6.4 |
| 4 | 345 students · Pre-K–12th | 5.6 |
| 5 | 1,119 students · Kindergarten–11th | 5.1 |
| 6 | 251 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.8 |
| 7 | 348 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.6 |
| 8 | 2,180 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.4 |
| 9 | 174 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.4 |
| 10 | 4,079 students · Kindergarten–12th | 3.9 |
Show all 24 other schools in Baton Rouge
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana · 134 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 18 ZIP codes
Median Income
$61,440
Median Home Value
$229,753
Median Rent
$1,152/mo
Population
381,395
College Educated
41%
Homeownership
52%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Community Profile
Baton Rouge has a median household income of $61,440. It is a well-educated community where 41% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $229,753, with a median rent of $1,152/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Louisiana
- Elementary
- 75
- Middle
- 14
- High
- 21
- Other
- 24
Resources
School Districts (18)
LSU Laboratory School
1 school · 1,515 students
Southern University Lab School
2 schools · 827 students
Central Community School District
5 schools · 4,875 students
Community School for Apprenticeship Learning Inc.
1 school · 590 students
University View Academy Inc. (FRM LA Connections)
1 school · 4,079 students
Impact Charter School
1 school · 450 students
Dalton Charter School
1 school · 164 students
Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge
1 school · 433 students
Lanier Charter School
1 school · 183 students
GEO Prep Academy of Greater Baton Rouge
1 school · 799 students
Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy
1 school · 2,180 students
Collegiate Baton Rouge
1 school · 515 students
Thrive Academy
1 school · 188 students
GEO Prep Mid-City of Greater Baton Rouge
1 school · 678 students
Glen Oaks Middle School (Redesign Schools LA)
1 school · 64 students
GEO Next Generation High School
1 school · 442 students
East Baton Rouge Parish
83 schools · 42,590 students
Louisiana Key Academy- Northsore
1 school · 263 students
Other Major Cities in Louisiana
Top metros statewide by school count.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
How many schools are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Baton Rouge has 134 schools, including 94 public and 40 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Baton Rouge is 6.0 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The top-ranked school in Baton Rouge on MySchoolScout is Mckinley Middle Magnet School with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The top-ranked elementary school in Baton Rouge on MySchoolScout is Belfair Montessori School with a composite score of 9.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The top-ranked middle school in Baton Rouge on MySchoolScout is Mckinley Middle Magnet School with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The top-ranked high school in Baton Rouge on MySchoolScout is Baton Rouge Magnet High School with a composite score of 8.2/10.
How many school districts serve Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Baton Rouge is served by 18 school districts: Lsu Laboratory School, Southern University Lab School, Central Community School District, Community School for Apprenticeship Learning Inc., University View Academy Inc. (frm La Connections), Impact Charter School, Dalton Charter School, Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge, Lanier Charter School, Geo Prep Academy of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy, Collegiate Baton Rouge, Thrive Academy, Geo Prep Mid-City of Greater Baton Rouge, Glen Oaks Middle School (redesign Schools La), Geo Next Generation High School, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Key Academy- Northsore.
What is the education level in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
According to Census data, 41% of adults in Baton Rouge have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is approximately $61,440 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Yes, Baton Rouge has 40 private schools alongside 94 public schools. The top-rated private school is Family Christian Academy with a score of 9.1/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Baton Rouge is 19.0:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Louisiana Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.