Best Public Schools in New Orleans, LA

The city of New Orleans, Louisiana has a diverse educational landscape with 73 schools, including 41 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 26 high schools, and 5 alternative schools, serving students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. The schools are a mix of public charter and traditional public institutions, with the majority being public charter schools.

Some of the standout schools in the area include The Willow School, which has exceptional test scores with 99% or more of students proficient or better in math and English, and a very low free/reduced lunch rate of 19.29%. Lake Forest Elementary Charter School is ranked #1 out of 675 Louisiana elementary schools and has a 5-star rating, with 99-100% of students proficient or better in math and English. Benjamin Franklin High School is ranked #4 out of 333 Louisiana high schools and has a 5-star rating, with very high proficiency rates.

In contrast, many other schools in the district struggle with proficiency rates well below state averages, suggesting significant inequities in educational opportunities and resources across the district. The data also reveals racial and socioeconomic disparities, with lower-performing schools tending to have predominantly African American and Hispanic student populations. Overall, the New Orleans educational landscape is complex, with pockets of excellence alongside persistent challenges that will require targeted interventions to address.