Though it's still early in the redevelopment of public education in New Orleans, the impact of New Schools for New Orleans had on education in the city is tangible.

Talented teachers and principals lead the charge in New Orleans

Hundreds of exceptional teachers and principals fill positions in public schools.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, New Schools for New Orleans developed strategic partnerships with teachNOLA and New Leaders for New Schools in order to place qualified teachers and principals in New Orleans schools and give them the training they need to succeed. In less than 2 years, teachNOLA has filled over 25% of the vacant teaching positions in New Orleans. And, New Leaders for New Schools has pledged the placement of 40 principals in public schools by the 2010-2011. New Schools for New Orleans will continue to support the development of high quality human capital in our city's schools through these partnerships.

Giving public schools the support they need

Since it was founded in April of 2006, New Schools for New Orleans has provided newly developing and existing schools with significant financial, operational, and legal support. NSNO has also supported open-enrollment public charter schools by matching qualified board members with charter schools throughout the city and training charter school boards. Over the coming years NSNO will continue to provide regular financial support to fund new charter schools and will match exemplary board members that will guide our schools to success.

Lending a voice to public schools in New Orleans

New Orleans parents gain access to information about all public schools in New Orleans for the first time in our city's history.

Making sure that schools are held to the highest standard in an on-going effort. New Schools for New Orleans serves as a strong voice for public schools in the city by advocating on their behalf with policy makers in the community. Additionally, NSNO has spearheaded the distribution of the New Orleans Parents' Guide to Public Schools. This critical publication is a resource parents can use to better understand the New Orleans public school landscape.

A baseline for continued success

Public school test scores have already surpassed Pre-Katrina standards.

The initial progress in public schools is very promising. At the close of the 2006-2007 school year, 53% of 4th graders in open-enrollment charter schools were at grade level in English/Language Arts and 45% of 4th graders were at grade level in Math. Eighth graders also performed well, with 46% passing English/Language Arts and 42% passing Math. All these scores are significantly higher than performance standards prior to Hurricane Katrina and will serve as a baseline for comparison as we continue to work towards excellent public schools.