(New Orleans – July 6, 2026) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is excited to announce meaningful year-over-year gains on the LEAP assessments and official recognition as one of Louisiana's Top Growing School Systems. Districtwide mastery rates (mastery or above) increased by 3 percentage points, from 28% in 2025 to 31% in 2026. This reflects broad progress across all tested grades and subjects for Orleans Parish schools.
"This three-point increase in our districtwide mastery rate to 31%, and our recognition as a top growing system, demonstrates the dedication of our students, school leaders, educators, and school communities working together," said Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools. "I'm proud of the progress across both English Language Arts (ELA) and math and especially encouraged by the strong gains we're seeing at the school level. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we know our work continues to ensure every student reaches higher levels of academic achievement."
Key Highlights of the 2025-2026 LEAP Test Results:
- Overall Growth: Mastery+ rates across all tested grades and subjects rose from 28% in 2025 to 31% in 2026 (+3 points). This continues the upward trajectory and positions NOLA-PS among Louisiana's top improving districts.
- Subject-Specific Gain: ELA mastery increased from 37% to 39% (+2 points), while math mastery rose from 26% to 28% (+2 points).
School-Level Achievements:
- Highest Performing Schools Overall (Mastery +): Benjamin Franklin High School led the district with more than 95% of students earning mastery or above. The Willow School followed closely at 88%, while Lake Forest Elementary Charter School achieved 85%. Other top performers include Edward Hynes Charter School – Lakeview at 67% and Audubon Charter School at 59%. Many of the highest-performing schools have admissions eligibility criteria. The full list can be seen below.
- Largest Individual School Increases: Einstein Charter School at Village De L'Est led the way with the largest gain, increasing mastery rates by +16 percentage points (from 10% to 26%). Sophie B. Wright Institute of Academic Excellence posted a strong +9 point increase, along with Booker T. Washington High School (+9 points). The full list can be seen below.
The results demonstrate broad improvement while underscoring opportunities to accelerate progress, particularly in math and for historically underserved student groups. Our schools are committed to delivering high quality instruction and supports and ensuring that teachers and staff have the professional development and resources needed for success, so every student can achieve at higher levels.
"These outcomes show that our schools are moving in the right direction and reflect the talent and effort across NOLA-PS," said Dr. Fulmore. "We are encouraged by this momentum yet remain focused on the important work ahead to accelerate student learning, especially in math, so that every child receives the high-quality education they deserve."
"Orleans Parish, really big compliments to the system, and the school leaders down in Orleans," said Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, during the 2026 LEAP Results systems leaders briefing. "The last few years you have continued to churn out growth, and you are helping us push this entire state forward. So, thank you, Orleans."
NOLA Public Schools is committed to transparency and keeping the community informed. For a more in-depth look at the data, please visit our NOLA-PS Data Dashboard. Additional insights into the 2025-2026 LEAP performance data will be forthcoming.
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 66 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.