High-Performing / High-Poverty Schools

What is a High-Performing / High-Poverty School?

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) operates on the belief that all children can learn. In keeping with that fundamental value, the Department has sought to identify schools that are successfully educating students, despite the obstacles associated with educating children in poverty.

Since 2008, 82 schools have earned the High-Performing, High-Poverty (HPHP) title. These schools have met rigorous academic criteria, despite high populations of economicallydisadvantaged students. In fact, after the first year of the program, LDOE raised the minimum requirements to qualify for the HPHP distinction.

To meet the current requirements, HPHP schools must achieve a baseline SPS of 100 or higher for two consecutive years. Additionally, at least 65 percent of the school’s population must be enrolled in the federally-funded free or reduced-price meal program—a national indicator used to measure poverty.

The Department is studying the HPHP schools to identify best practices that can be replicated statewide in schools with similar demographics and challenges.