Best High Schools
in New Orleans, Louisiana
We ranked all 33 high schools in New Orleans. The top 25 scored between 4.9 and 8.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Louisiana education data
New Orleans has 26 ranked high schools, with scores ranging from well below average to some of the strongest in the state. Frederick A. Douglass High School leads the metro with an 8.6 out of 10, followed closely by Benjamin Franklin High School at 8.4 and John F. Kennedy High School at 8.3. Only 7 schools — about 27% of the ranked list — clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, which means choice matters significantly here. The metro's average composite score of 5.9 reflects real variation across the district. A handful of schools punch well above that mark, while others trail it considerably. The table below lets you sort by academic performance, school size, and other key metrics so you can identify which schools align with what your student needs. Start with the score column to see where each school stands relative to the local field.
Frederick A. Douglass High School
Benjamin Franklin High School
John F. Kennedy High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked New Orleans's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Louisiana so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frederick A. Douglass High School Charter Frederick A. Douglass High School | 8.6 |
| 2 | Benjamin Franklin High School Charter Benjamin Franklin High School | 8.4 |
| 3 | John F. Kennedy High School Charter John F. Kennedy High School | 8.3 |
| 4 | G W Carver High School Charter G W Carver Collegiate Academy | 8.0 |
| 5 | CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL | 8.0 |
| 6 | McDonogh 35 Senior High School Charter McDonogh 35 Senior High School | 7.7 |
| 7 | Living School Charter Living School Inc. | 7.7 |
| 8 | Opportunities Academy Charter Opportunities Academy | 7.6 |
| 9 | DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL | 7.1 |
| 10 | New Orleans Center for Creative Arts New Orleans Center for Creative Arts | 6.9 |
| 11 | Rooted School Charter Rooted School | 6.9 |
| 12 | Abramson Sci Academy Charter Sci Academy | 6.7 |
| 13 | MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY | 6.5 |
| 14 | ST KATHARINE DREXEL PREPARATORY SCHOOL | 6.4 |
| 15 | Edna Karr High School Charter Edna Karr High School | 6.1 |
| 16 | The NET 2 Charter High School Charter The NET2 High School | 6.0 |
| 17 | Booker T. Washington High School Charter KIPP Booker T. Washington | 5.9 |
| 18 | ST MARYS DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL | 5.8 |
| 19 | International High School of New Orleans Charter Voices for International Business & Education | 5.7 |
| 20 | Warren Easton Charter High School Charter Warren Easton Charter Foundation Inc. | 5.6 |
| 21 | L.B. Landry High School Charter Lord Beaconsfield Landry-Oliver Perry Walker High | 5.4 |
| 22 | Eleanor McMain Secondary School Charter Eleanor McMain Secondary School | 5.1 |
| 23 | ST AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL | 5.0 |
| 24 | New Orleans Accelerated High School Charter New Orleans Accelerated High School | 4.9 |
| 25 | HYPE ACADEMY | 4.9 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Louisiana education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Louisiana. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in New Orleans
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: New Orleans's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in New Orleans
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. New Orleans's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Louisiana, with 33 schools spanning 71 school districts, plus 25 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Frederick A. Douglass High School is the top-rated high school in New Orleans with a composite score of 8.6/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in New Orleans, Louisiana?
New Orleans has 33 high schools, including 25 charter schools. Of these, 33 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in New Orleans?
The average composite score for New Orleans high schools is 6.0/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Louisiana).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Louisiana, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Louisiana, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the New Orleans high school rankings?
Yes. New Orleans has 25 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.