Fact Sheet | Programs | Supporters

As educators, leaders, and reformers flocked to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, we began to partner with the Louisiana Department of Education to help provide transformational school leaders for the schools in New Orleans. Since we launched our program there in 2007, tremendous gains have been made, and we are dedicated to continuing the momentum in New Orleans.

We have now trained more than 35 New Leaders who are serving more than 12,000 students in New Orleans. We also started training leaders to work in Jefferson Parish Public Schools in 2009. We believe we have the opportunity to create a model for public education that makes high academic achievement possible for all students across the city.

Although we have made great progress in the last five years, there is still an urgent need for educators to join in our effort to give all students a high-quality education. Nationally, Louisiana ranks anywhere between 46th to 49th in fourth- and eighth-grade math and reading scores.  Students in New Orleans have the potential for high academic success, but there are many unique challenges that must be faced.

• Eighty-three percent of students are eligible to receive free or reduced lunches compared to 63 percent statewide
• The overall population is approximately 63 percent minority, while public school students are nearly 95 percent minority – primarily African-American
• The majority of students are well below grade level in the New Orleans area

The public education landscape in New Orleans is unique:

• Eighty-six public schools in New Orleans are run by multiple different operators, including the Orleans Parish School Board, the Recovery School District and various charter school operators
• About 60 percent of public school students now attend charter schools, more than any other urban school district in the country
• Parents can usually choose to send their students to any public school in New Orleans where they can gain admission, regardless of where they live

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Adren Wilson, was recently named as the recipient of the Pinkie C. Wilkerson Humanitarian Award from the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus.
Read more about Adren >>