Total enrollment
35,903
+3,014 (+9%) vs SY 2017-18
Lafayette Parish
Louisiana · Public K-12
From the largest high school to the smallest elementary campus, Lafayette Parish's 50 public schools collectively enroll about 35,903 K-12 students, with Lafayette Parish Public Schools the heaviest district by enrollment. That works out to 26 elementary, 10 middle, and 11 high schools.
7-year change in Lafayette Parish
SY 2017-18 vs SY 2024-25School count
48
+1 (+2%) vs SY 2017-18
% White
42%
was 46%
% Hispanic
11%
was 7%
% Black
40%
was 42%
% Asian
2%
was 2%
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
Residents
247,997
all ages · ACS 5-yr
Schools
50
5 districts
Enrollment
35,903
students · NCES CCD
Median income
$67,451
Above Louisiana avg
Free/reduced lunch
58.8%
Below Louisiana avg
Elementary
26
15,200 students
Middle
10
5,191 students
High
11
9,666 students
Combined / other
3
5,846 students
LARGEST DISTRICT
Lafayette Parish Public Schools
29,396 students · 5 districts in Lafayette Parish
County vs. school enrollment demographics
Left bar is the racial makeup of Lafayette Parish residents (Census ACS 5-year). Right bar is the enrollment-weighted makeup of public schools in the county (NCES CCD). NCES systematically under-reports Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Native American enrollment for many schools; where the resident share is meaningful but the reported school share is zero, we mark the school bar "not reported".
County residents
School enrollment
Bachelor's+
35.3%
adults 25+
Poverty rate
12.6%
ACS 5-year
Unemployment
5.1%
civilian labor
Median age
37
24.2% under 18
Test scores in Lafayette Parish
Latest 2023-24 ELA proficiency, 35 schools ranked. Louisiana state average: 42.0%.
Top 5 schools (ELA)
Lowest 5 schools (ELA)
Cities in Lafayette Parish
About Lafayette Parish
In Louisiana, Lafayette Parish is a mid-sized county of about 247,997 residents. 50 public schools across the county instructs about 35,903 students between them.
Looking at the broader picture, census numbers show median household income runs near $67,451, roughly 35% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 13% of residents live below the federal poverty line. That income level is 21% above the Louisiana median.
In terms of grade levels, Lafayette Parish is made up of 26 elementary schools (15,200 students), 10 middle schools (5,191), 11 high schools (9,666), and 3 combined or other schools.
The largest single district in Lafayette Parish is Lafayette Parish Public Schools, which alone enrolls about 29,396 students.
Over the past 7-year window. Total public-school enrollment in Lafayette Parish has increased 9% since SY 2017-18, moving from about 32,889 students to 35,903. Lafayette Parish now counts 48 public schools, up from 47 in SY 2017-18. The White share of public-school enrollment declined from 46% to 42%.
On this page, the community for Lafayette Parish discusses sports rivalries, cross-district programs, and shared facilities. Posts come from current and former families, staff, and alumni.
Frequently asked questions
Lafayette Parish school rankings
DATA · Census ACS 5-year · NCES Common Core of Data