Did You Know
NOLA Public Schools is proud to introduce "Did You Know?," our new bite-sized series revealing the heart of NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS)! Discover who we are, what we do, and the solutions our team is crafting to empower families and schools with clear, reliable info. Stay tuned for an inside look at our vibrant school community.
Did You Know? NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is making big strides in improving education for students! Right now, 67% of students go to A or B-rated schools, meaning they’re getting a high-quality education. High schoolers are doing even better, with 81% attending top-ranked schools. Plus, almost 95% of all students are in schools that are showing strong progress. The district is also filling up classrooms fast, with 90% of school seats taken, showing that families trust and want to be part of NOLA-PS.
On top of that, school check-ins show that over 90% of schools meet important rules and standards. Special education programs are also doing well, making sure students get the support they need. Another win? 72% of students in district-owned buildings are in top-quality facilities, meaning safer, better-equipped learning spaces. All these improvements are part of a bigger plan to keep schools on the right track and give students the best education possible!
Did You Know? The ThriveKids Student Wellness Program partnership between Children’s Hospital New Orleans and NOLA Public Schools has been secured for the next 10 years, with a $30 million commitment from the City of New Orleans. This funding is part of a broader agreement between the City and the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) to support critical student services, ensuring that ThriveKids continues to provide essential mental and physical health services directly to students. Since its launch in Fall 2023, ThriveKids has delivered direct clinical services and care management through a team of over 30 full-time experts. Every NOLA Public Schools student benefits from care coordination, while 20 schools with the highest needs receive more intensive support. The program has already made a significant impact, with 3,815 individual counseling sessions, 892 advanced psychiatric care visits, and nearly 900 students receiving care coordination across 63 school campuses.
With New Orleans youth experiencing trauma at unprecedented levels, ThriveKids is playing a crucial role in addressing mental health disparities, particularly in a city where PTSD rates are four times the national average and over half of youth have been affected by violence. The program’s ability to provide early intervention and care coordination has proven essential in preventing crises. City officials and leaders, including Councilmember Joe Giarrusso and Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno, have praised this investment, emphasizing the importance of sustained funding to support the well-being of students. With a history of success and plans for expansion, Children’s Hospital hopes to secure additional private, state, and federal funding to further scale its impact. This decade-long commitment ensures that ThriveKids will continue to bridge the gap between healthcare and education, providing students with the resources they need to succeed academically and in life.
Big news from NOLA Public Schools! We’re charging ahead with NOLA-PS Evolve, our strategic plan of action to transform student support by 2028. Think: a powerhouse English Learner program across 22 schools and a game-changing Special Ed overhaul with Child Search, spotting and supporting kids ages 3-5 with unique needs or talents in Orleans Parish. We’re all in for every learner—dive into our journey: [link-https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7042be0da3.html]
Shoutout to our Special Ed team! With Child Search now in 3 locations, 90+ new family appointments, and 100% Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) compliance, we’re making waves. Plus, our Medicaid program’s up 55%—more resources for our kids! Stay tuned for more.
