Comeaux High School in Louisiana to Close After 60 Years

Closure leaves uncertain future for school's athletics programs

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:56pm

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Comeaux High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, is set to close its doors after 60 years of operation, a decision that will significantly impact the school's athletics programs, especially its football team. Coaches and players have expressed dismay over the closure, lamenting the loss of the school's tradition and diverse community.

Why it matters

The closure of Comeaux High School will displace hundreds of students, including many student-athletes, and force them to find new schools to attend. This upheaval will have a major impact on the local community and the future of high school sports in the area.

The details

The Lafayette Parish School Board decided earlier this month to close Comeaux High School and convert it into a career and technical education center. This 2025-26 school year will be the last for the Spartans, with students likely to be divided among Southside, Acadiana, or Lafayette High Schools for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.

  • Comeaux High School was established in 1965.
  • The school will close its doors after the 2025-26 school year.
  • The Class of 2001 alumni were planning a 25th reunion this year, which will no longer take place.

The players

Marquis Newsome

Comeaux High School football head coach and alumnus, who expressed disappointment over the school's closure and the impact it will have on the school's tradition and diverse community.

Jaden Celestine

Comeaux High School running back, who was the team's workhorse in 2026, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. Celestine now faces the decision of where to play his remaining Louisiana high school football career.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of like they don't care or worry about our tradition that we have here.”

— Marquis Newsome, Comeaux High School football head coach

“My initial reaction, it was actually hard to believe, it almost wasn't real. It's a hard pill to swallow, and it took me about a day to process it. Now I have to make an adult decision at a young age and do what's best for me for what's next.”

— Jaden Celestine, Comeaux High School running back

What’s next

The Lafayette Parish School Board will need to determine how to divide Comeaux High School's students and athletes among the nearby high schools, and the affected student-athletes will have to decide where to continue their academic and athletic careers.

The takeaway

The closure of Comeaux High School after 60 years of operation highlights the challenges facing small, community-oriented schools in the face of shifting educational priorities and resource constraints. This decision will have a significant impact on the local community and the future of high school sports in the area.