M. J. Kaufman Elementary School

M. J. Kaufman Elementary serves the Lake Charles community with a focus on supporting diverse learner needs across grades PK-5. The school enrolls 299 students and features a Gifted & Talented program to nurture advanced academic skills. While the school faces challenges with proficiency rates at 32% in reading and 27% in mathematics, it serves an important role in the district with 78.9% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating strong community engagement and support services. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, working to provide accessible quality education to families throughout the Lake Charles area.

Located at 301 Tekel Road, M. J. Kaufman Elementary reflects the diverse demographics of Lake Charles with 45.2% African American, 38.8% White, and 9.2% Hispanic students. The school is ranked 18th among 30 elementary schools in the Calcasieu Parish district and benefits from district support services that are part of the 4-star rated school system. The school's dedicated staff and focus on culturally responsive instruction help serve families who may face economic challenges while working to improve academic outcomes across the student body.