LEAP Testing Set for Late April Through May

Schools across the area have released the 2026 LEAP testing schedule with exams set to take place from late April through mid-May for students in grades three through high school.

According to the schedule, students in 3rd and 4th grades will test April 21 through April 23 in English Language Arts and Science, followed by Math and Social Studies from April 28 through April 30.

Students in 5th through 8th grades will begin testing May 5 through May 7 with English Language Arts and Science, and will complete testing May 12 through May 14 in Math and Social Studies.

High school students will test April 28 through April 30 in English I, English II, U.S. History and Civics, followed by Algebra I, Geometry and Biology exams scheduled for May 5 through May 7.

School officials are encouraging parents and families to review testing dates and ensure students are prepared and present for all assigned testing days. Attendance during testing is considered critical to help students perform at their best and avoid the need for make-up sessions. Parents are also encouraged to help students prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, arrive to school on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout the testing period.

2026-2027 Calendar Approved

In other school news, the Avoyelles Parish School Board has approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar, maintaining many familiar elements while introducing a few adjustments for the upcoming school year.

• Students will return to class August 6 following staff development days August 3 through August 5.
• The district will continue its Tuesday through Friday schedule.
• Progress reports begin Sept. 4, with report card night set for Oct. 15.
• The first nine weeks will end Oct. 7, with the second nine weeks beginning Oct. 8.
• Election Day on Nov. 3 will serve as a staff development day and a virtual learning day for students.
• Thanksgiving break is scheduled for Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, while the second nine weeks will conclude Dec. 18.
• Christmas break will run from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, 2027.
• Teachers will return Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 for additional training, with students beginning the third nine weeks on Jan. 6.
• Report cards will be sent home Jan. 12.
• Mardi Gras holidays are set for Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.
• The third nine weeks will end March 10, with the final grading period beginning March 11.
• A report card night is scheduled for March 18, followed by a staff development day on March 19.
• Easter break will run from March 26 through April 2.
• Graduation ceremonies will take place in May, beginning with LaSAS on May 17, followed by Marksville High on May 18, Avoyelles High on May 19 and Bunkie Magnet High on May 20.
• The school year will conclude May 26 with a half-day for students, while teachers will complete records and closing duties on May 27.

Overall, the updated calendar maintains a structure familiar to students, parents and staff while incorporating minor adjustments aimed at balancing instructional time and scheduled breaks.

For more information, parents can contact their child’s school or the Avoyelles Parish School Board office at 318-253-5982.