Schools from across Louisiana gathered on Nov. 20 for the 24th Annual McGrath Math Competition, hosted by the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA). The long-running event brought middle-grade students from sixth through ninth grade to the Natchitoches campus for a full day of problem-solving, teamwork, and spirited academic competition.
For LSMSA senior Graci Noel, speaking up has always come naturally, whether she’s on the theatre stage, participating in classroom discussions, or standing before a panel of judges. A member of the Class of 2026 from Kaplan, Graci has competed in speech and debate since her freshman year of high school. When she first joined the LSMSA student body for her junior year, there was no official club for speech and debate, but she was determined to keep her passion alive.
NATCHITOCHES, LA — Schools from across Louisiana will soon gather to compete in the 24th Annual McGrath Math Competition at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches, LA, on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Teachers have until Friday, November 14th to register contestants for this event, which has become a cornerstone opportunity for Louisiana’s young mathematicians. Registration and parental consent forms are available at www.lsmsa.edu/mathcompetition.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) has selected Bryan Chen, a senior from Natchitoches Parish, as its 2025–2026 Student of the Year. His selection at the school level makes him a candidate for regional and statewide honors overseen by the Louisiana Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts has recognized Jeni Stephens, Enrollment & Outreach Specialist, as the 2025 Outstanding School Support Employee, which is a fitting honor for someone who has become the heart of the Enrollment Office and a guiding presence for countless LSMSA students.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) announces that several of its students have earned academic honors through the 2025 College Board National Recognition Program.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts announced that six seniors were chosen as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
LSMSA's Sharon Turcan Gahagan Gallery has opened a new visual arts exhibit, Dethrone, by multidisciplinary artist Trey Gordon, which will be on display now through Thursday, Oct. 30.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) has once again been recognized among the nation’s elite in the newly released 2026 Niche.com rankings, earning an overall grade of A+ and improving in every major category from the previous year.
Thirteen graduates of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) returned to campus Sept. 19-20 for the school’s annual Connections Weekend. The event featured an alumni panel Q&A and break out sessions, giving students the opportunity to learn from the experiences of those who once walked the same halls.
Dr. Robert Dalling, Senior Lecturer of Physics at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award.
Three students from Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches were chosen alongside 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists as part of the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) was honored this summer at a Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting in Baton Rouge for its achievements in language education.
High school students and families in central Louisiana will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from some of the nation’s top colleges and universities during the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) Information Session on Sunday, Sept. 14, presented by Yale University’s Admissions Office.
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) faculty and staff participated in an annual in-service week of presentations, meetings, and awards.
Three students—Lily Buckles, of Lake Charles; Raven Valentine, of Houma; and Peter Yu, of Choudrant—have been named to school’s distinguished Robert A. Alost Hall of Fame.
Daylong philanthropic challenge held on Friday, March 14 featured lots of math, pie, and surprises—including a senatorial resolution recognizing Pi Day at LSMSA.
Nonprofit organization aims to raise $75,000 benefiting Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts during a daylong philanthropic challenge held on Friday, March 14.
A desire to do more – to be more – has driven Christopher Coco (’94) long before arriving in Natchitoches from New Orleans. It was that yearning, perhaps influenced by his parents who prioritized education and wanted their children in a challenging academic environment, that led him to LSMSA following several years at a Catholic high school.
Bryan Chen (’26), Bailey Derouen ('25), Rozzie Hubbell ('26), Jacob Hypes ('25), and Wesley Maidoh (’25) took home honors in various individual and team competitions.
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is the preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana's high-achieving, highly-motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program is available to all qualifying students regardless of family financial need.