The school is promoting its French Immersion program for 2025–26, offering students a track where academic subjects are taught in French, a nod to the region’s heritage and a chance for students to build bilingual fluency. The school moved recently into a new $36-million campus building on Rue du Belier, a major upgrade for the Prairie community.

Q1. Who is the current Principal?

Ans. The current Principal is Melissa Brumley, who was appointed to the position in 2024. The Assistant Principal is Sara Mouton.

Q2. Does Prairie Elementary have a special program?

Ans. Yes. Prairie Elementary runs a dual track, offering both Regular Education classes and a French Immersion program for students who apply and are accepted via the LPSS Magnet Academies lottery.

Q3. How does a student enroll at Prairie Elementary?

Ans. Enrollment is done in two ways:

-Attendance Zone: Students living within the designated Prairie Elementary attendance zone are zoned to attend.

-French Immersion: Students from anywhere in the parish must apply and be accepted through the LPSS Magnet Academies School Choice Lottery for the French Immersion track.

Q4. What kind of extracurriculars or special services are offered?

Ans. The school offers a variety of programs, including:

-Gifted & Talented (GT) services.

-Special Education (SPED) Resource and Self-Contained classes.

Auxiliary classes like P.E., Music/Chorus, and Library.

The presence of a Band teacher suggests musical instruction is available.

Q5. What is the instructional ratio of French to English in the Immersion program?

Ans. The French Immersion model typically follows a structured progression:

-Early Grades (PK-K): A very high ratio of French instruction (up to 80-90%).

-Upper Grades (1-5): A balanced approach where subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies are taught in French, and English Language Arts (ELA) is taught in English.