For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 6,483 students in 70605, LA (there are 2 private schools, serving 678 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in 70605, LA are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in 70605, LA are Prien Lake Elementary School, A. A. Nelson Elementary School and Dolby Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 70605 have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Louisiana public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in 70605, LA have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Louisiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Louisiana public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best 70605, LA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Prien Lake Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3741 Nelson Road
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4910
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4910
Gr: PK-5 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
A. A. Nelson Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1001 Country Club Road
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4790
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4790
Gr: PK-5 | 736 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
Dolby Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
817 Jefferson Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4730
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4730
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Alfred M. Barbe High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2200 West Mcneese
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4460
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4460
Gr: 9-12 | 1,908 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
S. J. Welsh Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1500 W Mcneese
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4410
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4410
Gr: 6-8 | 1,011 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #66.
St. John Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5566 Elliott Road
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4870
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4870
Gr: PK-5 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #77.
Lagrange High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3420 Louisiana Ave
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4960
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4960
Gr: 9-12 | 881 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #88.
College Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3618 Ernest Street
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4560
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 217-4560
Gr: PK-5 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 70605, LA?
The top-ranked public schools in 70605, LA include Prien Lake Elementary School, A. A. Nelson Elementary School and Dolby Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 70605?
8 public schools are located in 70605.
What percentage of students in 70605 go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in 70605 are educated in public schools (compared to the LA state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in 70605?
70605 public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Louisiana public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
