NOLA Public Schools Celebrates Benjamin Franklin High School as Louisiana's Top-Ranked High School

(New Orleans – August 21, 2025) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is proud to announce Benjamin Franklin High School has been ranked #1 in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report in its latest Best High Schools rankings. It is also the only school in the state to make the national Top 100 list. This prestigious recognition underscores the school's ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.

Benjamin Franklin High School serves grades 9-12 and is a shining example of educational achievement within the NOLA-PS system. With a total enrollment of 1,056 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school fosters a supportive learning environment that prepares students for college and beyond.

Key highlights from the rankings include:

●#1 in Louisiana High Schools

●#1 in New Orleans Metro Area High Schools

●#99 in National Rankings

●#24 in Charter High Schools

The school's exceptional performance is further evidenced by its 91% Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate with 94% of students scoring a 3 or higher on their AP exams, 19% earning the top score of 5, and 42% achieving AP Scholar status. The school's ACT scores are also strong, with 7 perfect scores of 36 and 31% of students earning a 30 or above. Students demonstrate outstanding proficiency, scoring 91% in mathematics and 99% in reading on state assessments—far surpassing state averages of 58% and 70%, respectively. Additionally, Benjamin Franklin High School boasts a graduation rate that is greater than 95%, reflecting its dedication to ensuring students cross the finish line equipped for future success.

"This achievement is a reflection of our students' curiosity, ambition, and drive," said Benjamin Franklin High School CEO Alex Jarrell. "Being the only school in Louisiana to reach the national Top 100 shows what's possible when our students set high goals, welcome new challenges, and work together with their teachers and families."

"Benjamin Franklin High School's #1 ranking in Louisiana is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of its students, educators, staff, and families," said Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools. "At its heart, Franklin's success is about students achieving at their highest level, and that's what we want for every child in every school across our district."

As a selective admissions charter school, Benjamin Franklin High School continues to attract top talent and deliver rigorous curricula in a diverse and inclusive setting. The school's minority enrollment stands at 61%, with 32% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting its role in promoting educational opportunities for children in our city.

NOLA-PS congratulates the entire Benjamin Franklin High School community on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to its continued excellence for years to come.

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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 66 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.