NOLA-PS Celebrates The Leah Chase School's Acceptance into Louisiana A+ Schools at LSU Network
(New Orleans – March 3, 2026) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is excited to announce the acceptance of The Leah Chase School (TLC School) into the Louisiana A+ Schools Network at LSU (LAA+), with the school officially joining the network in Summer 2026.
Named in honor of Leah Chase, the iconic New Orleans chef, culture bearer, and civil rights leader, The Leah Chase School aims to embody the unique cultural traditions and artistic heritage of our city. This partnership reinforces NOLA-PS' dedication to academic excellence, cultural affirmation, and holistic child development for The Leah Chase School, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to high-quality instruction, student-centered learning, and continuous improvement.
"We believe the arts are a powerful instructional tool that deepens understanding, increases engagement, and allows students to see themselves reflected in their learning," said Dr. Brandy Turner, Interim Head of School for The Leah Chase School. "Participation in the LAA+ Network will strengthen our instructional practices and support our teachers as they continue this work with intention and purpose."
As part of the LAA+ Schools model, The Leah Chase School will participate in three years of comprehensive, schoolwide professional development. This includes annual Summer Institutes, instructional coaching, classroom observations, leadership development, and collaborative opportunities within the network. The model empowers educators to integrate the arts and New Orleans' rich cultural elements into core academic instruction with purpose and consistency.
Bethany A. Hager, Director of Louisiana A+ Schools at LSU, added, "When schools like The Leah Chase School join our network, it strengthens the cultural and creative fabric of education across Louisiana. This work is not about adding art as an extra, it is about transforming teaching and learning so that creativity, culture, and critical thinking are woven into every classroom."
NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore expressed strong support for this collaboration, noting its alignment with district priorities: "We are excited about this opportunity for The Leah Chase School. This partnership with LAA+ will advance our efforts to provide an innovative and arts-rich educational environment that values every child and helps them reach their full potential."
The Louisiana A+ Schools Network collaborates with entire school communities to reimagine education by centering creativity and culture through arts integration.
Media Contact: Taslin Alfonzo, APR
504-202-7229 | communications@nolapublicschools.com
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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.
