News Summary
NOLA Public Schools is taking significant steps to enhance student success for the upcoming school year. This includes new leadership, improved enrollment transparency, and strategic initiatives to support academic growth across charter schools. Dr. Fateama Fulmore has been appointed as the new superintendent, aiming for better accessibility and a public information campaign to guide families through the enrollment process. Recent metrics show promising improvements in student performance, while various programs are set to expand, including support for mental health and educator recruitment.
New Orleans Initiates Changes for the 2025-26 School Year
NOLA Public Schools has announced an array of new initiatives and leadership changes aimed at enhancing student success as the 2025-26 school year approaches. These efforts include the introduction of new programs, an emphasis on transparency in school enrollment, and strategies to support academic growth across the district’s 65 charter schools.
Leadership Updates
Dr. Fateama Fulmore has been named the new superintendent of NOLA Public Schools. In her new role, she plans to implement new strategies to improve the transparency of charter school enrollment processes and facilitate easier access for families seeking to enroll their children. A comprehensive K-12 Enrollment public information campaign is set to educate families about the New Orleans Common Application Process (NCAP), ensuring that they have the resources needed to navigate the enrollment landscape effectively.
Upcoming Initiatives
Among the initiatives is the enhanced enrollment website featuring FAQs and step-by-step video guides in three languages, designed to assist families. Additionally, a public dashboard will provide real-time data regarding school seat availability and enrollment trends, further supporting efforts to make the enrollment process user-friendly. Parents will also have access to virtual appointments and a family enrollment manual, intended to assist with navigating the application process more efficiently.
School Performance Metrics
Recent metrics indicate that student performance is improving, with 67% of students now attending “A” or “B” rated schools, and 81% of high school students enrolled in top-performing institutions. Notably, 95% of students are in schools demonstrating significant academic progress, and 90% of available school seats have already been filled for the school year. Early learning programs are fully enrolled, thanks to targeted communication strategies and newly introduced in-person events.
Program Expansion at Leah Chase School
The Leah Chase School, the first direct-run school in the district since Hurricane Katrina, has successfully completed its inaugural year. Located on South Carrollton Avenue, the school emphasizes academics alongside enrichment programs that include a robust after-school arts initiative encompassing ballet, music, and art, which culminated in successful winter and spring showcases. Plans are underway for the school to expand to include a sixth grade next year.
Charter School Operations
No closures or expansions of charter schools are planned for the upcoming school year, although several schools will undergo contract renewal evaluations in the coming months. The School Performance Renewal Index will focus on student growth, contrasting with the state’s annual School Performance Score, with recommendations to be submitted to the Orleans Parish School Board later this year.
ThriveKids Student Wellness Program
The ThriveKids Student Wellness Program, which operates in partnership with Children’s Hospital New Orleans, has secured funding for an additional eight years, with a $30 million commitment from the city. Since its initiation in Fall 2023, the program has provided 3,815 individual counseling sessions and 892 psychiatric care visits to students. The program has expanded to offer support across 63 campuses, with intensive resources targeted at 20 high-need schools.
Investing in Future Educators
To further support the educational environment, new initiatives are being launched to recruit future educators and clinical fellows into the district through partnerships with universities. These measures aim to ensure that vulnerable learners receive expert support, enriching the overall educational landscape in New Orleans.
As NOLA Public Schools prepares for the 2025-26 school year, these developments indicate a strong commitment to enhancing educational quality, accessibility, and student welfare throughout the district.
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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.
