Pearl Watson Elementary School

Pearl Watson Elementary, located in downtown Lake Charles at 1300 5th Street, serves 325 students in grades PK-5 with a focus on supporting a predominantly African American student population (92% of enrollment). The school offers a Gifted & Talented program as part of its commitment to developing diverse talents and abilities. While proficiency rates of 55% in English Language Arts and 51% in mathematics indicate areas for continued growth, the school provides a supportive community environment with dedicated resources. As a Calcasieu Parish school, Pearl Watson benefits from district support services and is part of a school system rated 4-stars, indicating quality educational infrastructure and commitment to student success.

Pearl Watson Elementary enrolls 93% economically disadvantaged students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, reflecting the school's commitment to serving families facing significant economic challenges. The school is ranked within the bottom 50% of Louisiana schools, with ELA proficiency at 55% compared to 74% district average and 69% state average, indicating areas where targeted support and resources could improve outcomes. The school's dedicated staff works within the broader Calcasieu Parish system to provide students with academic support, enrichment programs, and social-emotional resources. Pearl Watson Elementary serves an important role in the community, providing educational services to one of Lake Charles's most underserved student populations.