NEW ORLEANS — The Leah Chase School is coming to New Orleans.
On Monday, the Orleans Parish School Board unanimously approved the creation of The Leah Chase School.
The school is named in honor of legendary New Orleans chef, restaurateur, and beloved community figure, the late Leah Chase.
The school will be the first permanent non-Charter, traditional institution under NOLA Public Schools in 18 years.
The school will be a Pre-K through 8th grade school aiming to begin operating at the start of the 2024-2025 school year with K-5th grade. It will occupy the building currently home to Lafayette Academy.
The school board hopes to meet a targeted enrollment of 320 students for each grade level.
School board leaders say The Leah Chase School aims to become a” beacon of cultural richness, amplifying the voices of New Orleans’ History.”
“It's crucial that the district take this opportunity to foster innovation and diversity when establishing direct-un schools,” said OPSB President Katie Baudouin. “On behalf of the board, my colleagues and I remain hopeful for a future where direct-run schools play a vital role within a comprehensive portfolio, catering to the diverse needs of our city."
"Drawing on my 33 years of experience as an educator, I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity of our school system to directly operate a school. Our shared priority is the well-being of our children, and it serves as the focal point for every decision we make as a board," said Leila Eames, OPSB Vice President. "This initiative is not only the right course of action but also a response to our community's long-standing request spanning the past 18 years. I extend my gratitude to my colleagues for unanimously endorsing this decision, demonstrating unwavering support for our students and community in attaining a high-quality education in a neighborhood school."
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