Original Research by School Decision on Rooted School
Rooted School is a public charter district comprising a single high school campus in New Orleans, serving grades nine through thirteen. It is a small district by enrollment, with a student body that is predominantly Black, followed by a smaller Hispanic population and a very small white enrollment. The grade span itself is notable: grade thirteen exists because the school operates as an Early College Academy under the Louisiana Department of Education. This designation means students can earn college credit and, potentially, an associate’s degree during their high school years, with the extra year built into the model.
The school has relocated to the campus of Southern University at New Orleans, a move that places students on a college campus for their daily school experience. This is a central feature of the school’s identity, giving students access to university facilities and a campus environment as part of the regular school day. For families weighing high school options, this setting is likely the primary draw, especially if the goal is a direct pipeline into a postsecondary setting.
Academically, state testing data was not available for this district, so a direct read of proficiency in core subjects is not possible from the record. The graduation rate was also missing from the data, so a parent should ask the school directly for current four-year and five-year completion rates, as the early-college model often alters typical timing. Chronic absenteeism, however, was reported and falls above the midpoint among Orleans Parish’s districts, a metric a parent may want to investigate further with the school. Per-pupil current spending sits in the upper range compared to other districts in the county, indicating a relatively high level of resource allocation.
A distinctive, publicly reported program sets Rooted School apart from other public charter options in New Orleans. The school partners with universities on a randomized control trial that provides direct cash transfers to graduating students, using the school as the disbursement vehicle. This guaranteed-income component is a concrete financial advantage for students who complete the program, and is worth a close look from families considering the school’s longer-term value proposition.
Because the entity is a single-school district, the data on student support programs, discipline rates, staffing ratios, and course access were not available. A prospective family would need to visit the campus, speak with administrators, and request the school’s own documentation on these matters. The chronic absenteeism figure is one data point that suggests some students are missing significant instructional time, though without context on how the school addresses attendance, a parent should not assume a cause.
There is no locale brief for the city or neighborhood, so a reader should look up the SUNO campus location in New Orleans to understand the surrounding community, housing market, and transportation options. The district’s small size and single-site structure make it a niche choice. It fits a family looking for an early-college pathway with a university campus setting, a built-in structure for college credit accumulation, and a distinctive post-graduation financial support program. It is not a comprehensive district with a wide array of extracurriculars or a large peer group; it is a targeted environment for students aiming at college completion early.
See more original research from School Decision →