For three decades, Chris Schlafer was all U.S. Marine. He served around the globe, completed three combat tours, and commanded a Marine Security Guard based in the Middle East. In 2008, he was named Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications and Information Technology at the Marine Reserve Headquarters in New Orleans.
It was quite a career for the young man who enlisted out of Long Island, New York. Along with his team, he was charged with maintaining phone and data communications while relocating the USMC Reserve Headquarters into Federal City within the historic neighborhood of Algiers.
Colonel Schlafer had no idea that the community of New Orleans did not intend to let him go anytime soon. He retired from his active-duty career as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command in 2015 and had a decision to make about where to relocate his career and family.
We have endured what has likely been the most challenging time in the recent history of education during the pandemic, and we have come out the other side of it even stronger.”
A General he had worked with previously reached out to Colonel Schlafer about taking over at the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy (NOMMA). He had recently been certified as a JROTC Senior Marine Instructor, and Colonel Schlafer had an interest in teaching.
“New Orleans is such a special place, and this program at NOMMA is specially dedicated to the youth of this area,” he said. Colonel Schlafer took the reins at NOMMA in September 2015.
The New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy opened its doors in 2011 as a Type 2 public charter school to serve all parishes within the New Orleans Metropolitan area. It remains the only public high school in Louisiana where every student becomes a cadet in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC). The school started with just over 100 9th grade cadets.
Under his leadership, the school has built strong relationships with the local community, including the Algiers Development District, as well as New Orleans-area educational and business organizations, such as Pro Bono Publico. As Commandant, he answers to NOMMA’s Board of Directors, chaired by Retired USMC Colonel Terry Ebbert.
“Our graduates are my biggest success,” said Colonel Schlafer. “They go through a challenging five-year education and character development program that involves rigorous academics, physical fitness training, and community service. So, it is truly inspiring to be present and shake their hand as they walk across the graduation stage.”
Over the past decade, the school has expanded to include grades eight through twelve, and it is home to over 900 cadets. The NOMMA team recently announced an expansion of its footprint within Federal City to accommodate its growing staff and student body, as well as its sports, music, academic enrichment, and training programs. The NOMMA expansion is the largest development within Federal City in nearly 10 years.
“I want NOMMA to continue to grow into a city, state, and nationally recognized educational institution,” said the Colonel of his long-range plans. He has helped the school create its Master Plan, which includes new building construction and renovation of existing historic structures on its campus.
Today, NOMMA is a top-rated, open-enrollment public charter high school serving all metro-area parishes. It has been designated a Naval Honor School due to its superior performance in the MCJROTC program. Colonel Schlafer works with his staff, led by Principal Alexis Long, to ensure strong mentoring and instructional support to all cadets.
NOMMA offers both a college preparatory and a career/technical education. Cadets can earn a TOPS University or TOPS Tech Career diploma. They can complete honors courses, AP courses, CLEP testing, and dual enrollment courses, as well as take advantage of after-school tutoring, support for diverse learners, and participation in its Class 4A sports teams.
At NOMMA, cadets are guided by a team of teachers and retired military instructors who bring unparalleled experience into the classrooms.
“We have endured what has likely been the most challenging time in the recent history of education during the pandemic, and we have come out the other side of it even stronger,” said the Colonel. “I am very proud of the team we have built here at NOMMA, the genuine dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, which includes civilians and a great group of U.S. Marine instructors. It is an entire team effort that has made NOMMA among the top-performing, open-enrollment schools in the greater New Orleans area.”
Get Involved
The NOMMA team is about to begin a multi-million-dollar fundraising effort to support a campus expansion project. “To be successful, we will need community support and advocacy,” said Colonel Schlafer. “We will need donors and donations, but we also need community members spreading the word about the great work the NOMMA team is doing and the positive impact it has on the Greater New Orleans area.” Interested donors are welcome to visit the NOMMA website or contact their staff for more details. In addition, prospective cadets interested in joining NOMMA are invited to attend an open house to learn more about the school and its many opportunities.
nomma.net; 504-227-3810; info@nomma.net
