The New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School is an open-admission public charter school that prepares all students for college admissions and successful careers. Sci High provides a rigorous high school curriculum with an emphasis in science and mathematics in a supportive environment of learning and respect that prepares students to make informed choices about post-secondary pursuits.
Founded in 1993 the New Orleans Center for Science & Math (SciHigh) operated as a half-day program within the Orleans Parish School System offering specialized instruction in science, math, and technology, and providing an open door to any interested New Orleans high school student. Students attended partner schools for their other graduation requirements. The guiding principle: that students with a broad range of scholastic aptitudes can master science and mathematics concepts and information at a high level given the proper culture, faculty, and school leader.
Sci High students proved us right, consistently doing as well or better than students in the selective Orleans Parish magnet schools, even though we were not selective in our admissions. They gave us evidence that even those students with weak academic preparation and a broad range of scholastic aptitudes can master science and mathematics concepts, given a culture of high expectations and respect for work and one another.
The post-Katrina public high school situation dictated a different model for SciHigh. There were only four public high schools open after the flood. Previously, there had been 22, all of which had served as feeder schools for Sci High. The demand for a half-day program had been destroyed. Therefore, in October 2005, a mere 60 days after the collapse of the New Orleans levee system, The Advocates for Science & Mathematics Education, Inc. applied for and was granted a Type III charter by the Orleans Parish School Board. Now the founding Advocates had full responsibility for the finances and operations of their successful model.
Responding to the new environment, the half-day program became a full-day program offering all subjects that are required for graduation. The high school moved from the Delgado campus to Allen School, a former elementary building, at the corner of Nashville and Loyola avenues.
Graduates from Sci High will be well grounded in the study of life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. Sci High students will lead and act with integrity and honesty, in all pursuits. Sci High students will lead and act with integrity and honesty, in all pursuits. They will be self-disciplined and self-directed and will work together for the support and growth of each individual in the school and greater community.
2011 Bienville Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 324-7061
Fax: (504) 459-2602
New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School | Copyright 2024
School Governance
