News Summary
Benjamin Franklin High School has been recognized as the top high school in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report, achieving a national rank of No. 99. BFHS is the only school from Louisiana in the Top 100 and has demonstrated remarkable academic success, including high graduation rates and strong performance in Advanced Placement courses. With its diverse student body and commitment to educational excellence, BFHS continues to set benchmarks in academic achievement and foster a collaborative learning environment.
New Orleans
Benjamin Franklin High School (BFHS) has been recognized as the top high school in Louisiana in the 2025 Best High Schools report by U.S. News & World Report. The school achieved national acclaim, ranking at No. 99 in the United States and being the only institution in Louisiana to secure a spot in the national Top 100. Additionally, BFHS secured the No. 1 position in the New Orleans metro area and ranked No. 24 among charter schools nationwide.
Serving approximately 1,056 students in grades 9 through 12, BFHS boasts a graduation rate exceeding 95%. The school has shown remarkable academic performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with 91% of students participating. Almost all of these students achieved a score of 3 or higher on their AP exams, with 94% scoring at least a 3 and 19% achieving the top score of 5. Furthermore, 31% of the students scored 30 or above on the ACT, with seven students attaining perfect scores of 36.
BFHS also surpasses state averages with a 91% proficiency rate in math and an exceptional 99% rate in reading. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, providing a conducive learning environment for students.
Community Demographics
A diverse student body contributes to the school’s success, with 61% of BFHS students coming from minority backgrounds and 32% classified as economically disadvantaged. This demographic representation underscores the school’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in education.
School Leadership and Philosophy
Under the leadership of principal Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas, BFHS has focused on fostering a culture of curiosity, ambition, and collaboration. The school’s achievement has been acknowledged as a reflection of the efforts and dedication of students, staff, and families, as noted by educational leaders. The school operates as a selective admissions charter institution, requiring potential students to pass an academic exam and meet minimum GPA criteria for enrollment.
Future Aspirations
The recognition from U.S. News & World Report serves not only as a celebration of current accomplishments but also as a source of motivation for the BFHS community and educational stakeholders across Louisiana. The impressive 99.45 score on a 100-point scale indicates a strong commitment to educational excellence that the institution aims to sustain in the coming years.
As Benjamin Franklin High School continues to set benchmarks in academic achievement, the emphasis on fostering an environment conducive to student growth and achievement remains a priority as it enhances its curriculum and supports its diverse student body.
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Additional Resources
- My New Orleans: Benjamin Franklin High School Ranked No. 1 in Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans)
- NOLA.com: New Orleans High School Ranked No. 1 in Louisiana
- Google Search: Benjamin Franklin High School Louisiana
- Fox 8 Live: New Orleans High School Ranked Best in Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- 97.3 The Dawg: Best High Schools in Louisiana 2025
- Google News: Benjamin Franklin High School Louisiana Ranking
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
