“These are the largest, broadest, most sustained improvements academically that I've ever seen any school district achieve by any means,” said Doug Harris, a Tulane University professor of economics and director of the Education Research Alliance (ERA).
In the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans public schools have undergone dramatic change, and the data shows it’s working.
A new piece from Marie Fazio of The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com highlights a recent ERA-New Orleans report and breaks down how student outcomes in our city have improved over the past two decades.
From gains in state test scores to increased graduation rates, the results are clear: New Orleans public schools have made historic academic progress.
As we mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, it’s clear that data tells a powerful story of growth and progress in our city’s public schools. To help families, educators, and community members better understand this journey, NSNO partnered with NOLA Public Schools to launch the NOLA-PS Data Dashboard. This tool brings together key data points—from academic achievement and equity indicators to school-level trends—offering a clear view of how far our schools have come over the past two decades.
Making New Orleans the Best City to be a Teacher: Relive the joy of NOLA Teacher Fest 2025
On May 2, we gathered at Champions Square to celebrate the heart of our city’s schools—our educators. With nearly 2,500 teachers, school staff, and supporters in attendance, NOLA Teacher Fest 2025 was a joyful evening of music, food, dancing, and gratitude.
From the high-energy sets by DJ Mannie Fresh and Partners-N-Crime to the surprise performance by Juvenile, the night was filled with music, joy, and unforgettable moments of connection and celebration. Watch the official recap video above and relive the energy, love, and appreciation that filled this outstanding event.
Our mission is to deliver on the promise of excellent public schools for every child in New Orleans.
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