Audubon Charter Uptown and Audubon Charter Gentilly, two schools that fall under the umbrella of the Audubon Schools Network, recently gained attention for their remarkable academic gains. In fact, Audubon Charter Gentilly increased its School Performance Scores (SPS) by two letter grades within one year, while Audubon Charter Uptown earned an A letter grade. Avenue spoke with CEO Dr. Steven Corbett to learn more about these unique schools, their incredible communities, and how focusing on arts instruction was key to their growing academic success.
As someone with years of experience as a principal and educator, Dr. Corbett was thrilled to help lead the Audubon Schools Network to their current successes. He attributes the schools’ big jump in test scores to a number of factors, including Audubon’s remarkable students, teachers and families.
“Collectively, the organization just did a tremendous job, and we’re all incredibly proud of the work,” said Dr. Corbett.
The team identified areas for improvement, helped students increase performance, and shifted the way teachers approached instruction. The results were tremendous; in fact, no other school has jumped two letter grades since 2016. In addition, Audubon Charter Uptown is now one of the top-rated schools in the entire state.
With unique curriculums and a dynamic school culture, both Audubon Charter Uptown and Audubon Gentilly are standout organizations serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
First established in 1981, and operating as a charter school since 2006, Audubon Charter Uptown offers both a French program and a Montessori program. In lower grades, a significant amount of the students’ instruction is provided in French to help them achieve fluency in the language. By the time students reach the third grade, core subjects are taught in French, and they are expected to write in both French and English.
Meanwhile, the school also embraces a Montessori curriculum, which is well-regarded for its hands-on, collaborative approach to early childhood education. Students learn at their own pace in large blocks of uninterrupted time, all within a space specifically designed to help facilitate their educational needs.
Lastly, the Audubon Charter Uptown school prides itself on its arts programs. In addition to arts instruction that is integrated into the regular school day, an after-school program offers students the opportunity to learn more about creative writing, photography, sewing, music, crafting, and many more pursuits.
Also offering a Montessori-based education, Audubon Gentilly includes language and arts infusion in their lessons as well. First opened in 2018, this sister school to its uptown location offers even more families the opportunity to take part in this unique approach to education.
At a time when many schools are reducing or eliminating arts programs, Dr. Corbett stresses the importance of including creative outlets as a core component of the curriculum. In fact, last year several new arts programs were introduced at Audubon Charter Gentilly – the same year that school saw some of the highest educational gains in the city. Dance, visual arts, theater, and music lessons are already available for these students, with more programming planned for the future.
At any of the locations, the overall school culture is another key component of Audubon Schools Network’s success. “We offer one of the most unique educational models in the country,” said Dr. Corbett. A community focused on academic growth, as well as a strong culture that adores and embraces individuality, these schools occupy a crucial space in the New Orleans educational realm.
Contact
Audubon Charter School – Uptown
Lower School (Grades K-3)
428 Broadway Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-324-7100
Upper School (Grades 4-8)
3128 Constance Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504-324-7110
Audubon Charter School – Gentilly
4720 Painters Street
New Orleans, LA 70122
Phone: 504-309-9434