Summary:
New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School is a single, specialized high school serving grades 9 through 12 with 627 students, operating as its own district in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This school presents a fascinating "engagement vs. achievement" paradox. On one hand, it excels at keeping students in school and on track to graduate: its graduation rate of 89.2% is 4.2 points above the state average, its dropout rate of 1.5% is half the state average, and its chronic absenteeism rate of just 8.4% is dramatically lower than the state's 22.5%. These metrics are particularly impressive given that nearly 70% of students are economically disadvantaged. On the other hand, the school's academic proficiency on state tests consistently lags behind Louisiana averages, with a 22-point gap in Algebra I and a 15-point gap in Biology. The school's state ranking fluctuates between a 1-star and 2-star rating, currently sitting at the 29th percentile. A notable bright spot is U.S. History, where the school outperformed the state (58% vs. 54%) in the 2024-2025 school year.
For parents, this school offers a strong, supportive environment that prioritizes student retention and daily attendance, which are critical foundations for long-term success. The favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.9:1 allows for individualized attention. However, the data suggests that while students are engaged and graduating, the academic instruction may not be translating to state test proficiency, particularly in science and math. The significant drop in Biology proficiency from 57% to 45% in one year is a red flag worth investigating. Because the school is its own New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School district, it operates independently without a larger administrative support system, making its strong attendance and graduation rates even more commendable.
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