A recent study ranks the top 25 high schools in Louisiana for athletes, highlighting the state's strong tradition of producing elite sports talent. The rankings consider factors like student participation, state championships, and the variety of sports offered.
From Hall of Famers like Robert Parish to the Manning family, Louisiana's history of producing elite athletes has been a constant trend for decades.
That distinction continues to the present day, too, where high school sports in the Pelcian State rival the best in the country, with a spotlight on the schools that set the stage for the accomplishments on the fields, courts, pools, mats, and beyond.
With that in mind, which high schools in Louisiana are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
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According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
Total number of sports: 11
Total number of sports: 25
Total number of sports: 25
Total number of sports: 23
Total number of sports: 21
Total number of sports: 25
Total number of sports: 11
Total number of sports: 20
Total number of sports: 18
Total number of sports: 14
Total number of sports: 12
The top 25 high schools for athletes in Louisiana for 2026 are ranked based on student participation, state championships, and the number of sports offered.
The ranking was determined by Niche, which used survey feedback from students and parents along with data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Factors influencing the ranking include reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the variety of sports offered at each school.
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Total number of sports: 11
Total number of sports: 16
Total number of sports: 13
Total number of sports: 15
Total number of sports: 15
Total number of sports: 15
Total number of sports: 11
Total number of sports: 10
Total number of sports: 14
Total number of sports: 10
Total number of sports: 18
Total number of sports: 10
Total number of sports: 12
Total number of sports: 14
Catholic High's Cameron Dartez throws a pass to an open receiver as the Teurlings Catholic Rebels take on the Catholic High School Bears on Sept. 28, 2018.
Data via Niche survey statistics
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See which Louisiana high schools were named best for athletes in 2026