Two charts on New Orleans' academic growth

New Orleans' Academic Growth is Unmatched

Educators and families in New Orleans are accomplishing what most thought impossible: dramatically turning around one of the lowest performing school districts in the nation.

In 2005, New Orleans' academic performance ranked 67th out of 68 Louisiana districts (3rd percentile); last week the Department of Education released the state's most recent School Performance Score data, and New Orleans now ranks 38th of 74 districts (48th percentile).

New Orleans - where 42% of children grow up in poverty, the highest of any urban district in the state - is on track to become the highest performing of the four largest districts in Louisiana.

Much Work Remains

Our system of schools has improved dramatically since 2005, but there are still too few students with the opportunity to attend an excellent school. So while we celebrate the achievement and hard work of the students, families, educators, and advocates who are transforming education in New Orleans, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to attend a high-quality school.